Carlton have confirmed Josh Fraser will be the AFL club's head coach, after the interim sparked a stunning turnaround in form that led the Blues into a wildcard berth.
Fraser took the reins of the Blues at 1-8 after Michael Voss stepped down from the role, and ignited a 10 win, one draw, two loss run at the helm.
Officially announced by the club on Tuesday, president Rob Priestly said Fraser was the "standout candidate" irrespective of the win-loss ledger.
"Josh has received a great deal of praise over the past three months, and deservedly so, but it was important for our football club, and for Josh himself, that he participated in the coaching selection process in its entirety," Priestly said in a statement.
"Through this detailed process Josh emerged as the standout candidate, even if you removed the sustained on-field transformation he has produced since taking the reins as interim coach.
"Over the last 14 years Josh has developed and demonstrated a proven football IQ and an innovative mindset. In addition to his coaching credentials, the qualities that made Josh a compelling candidate are the same qualities that will continue to shape our football club moving forward -- he is calm, humble, innovative and has an incredible club-first approach."
CEO Graham Wright said the decision was easy, and that Fraser had proven to be a "whole-of-club leader" while in the caretaker role.
"Even if you removed the last 14 weeks, on his presentation alone Josh would have been the successful candidate," Wright said.
"Having run all candidates through a thorough and detailed process, for Josh to have emerged as the standout candidate speaks volumes of not only his credentials as a coach, but also the qualities he brings as a leader.
"He is a respectful whole-of-club leader who fosters a professional and united environment, with everyone contributing to our collective pursuit of excellence."
Finally, Fraser thanked the Carlton fraternity for the support shown to him during his caretaker tenure and application.
"I have always had ambitions to be a senior coach and what the last three months have done is give me the absolute belief that I am ready, and most importantly ready for this exact opportunity, to be senior coach of the Carlton Football Club," Fraser said.
"When I was told by Rob, Graham and Chris that I had been appointed as senior coach, that sense of appreciation and responsibility I felt in that moment will never be lost on me.
"I firmly believe I am a product of amazing people around me. The collective commitment to each other and to get better every day in order to improve our football club is a privilege to be part of, and rest assured we want to continue to raise the standards in that regard.
"I also want to take this opportunity to thank our members, supporters, players, staff and the entire Carlton Football Club community for the incredible support they have shown me. The one-club mentality is a responsibility for all of us to carry and I have seen first-hand just how special that is."
The Blues face Fremantle in their final home and away fixture before facing -- most likely -- Adelaide or Collingwood in a wildcard.