For a long time, Carlton’s enormous supporter base appeared to be as much a burden as a source of strength.
Its passion came attached to expectation. When games began to turn, the Blues often seemed to feel the consequences of losing before the result had been decided. The noise became heavier, the football tighter and the fear of another disappointment difficult to escape.
Under Josh Fraser, that relationship has changed.
Carlton are no longer shrinking from the emotion surrounding the club. They are leaning into it, turning pressure into energy rather than treating it as something to fear.