Josh Fraser wants to make sure he's "all in" before deciding whether to throw his hat into the ring for the full-time head coach role at Carlton.
Fraser will speak with the Blues hierarchy next week, following Sunday's clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium to make it clear if he wants the job.
The interim coach appears impossible to overlook, steering the club to nine wins and just two losses to have them on the verge of sealing a wildcard berth since taking the caretaker role.
Fraser has been given additional time to consider his decision, given the passing of his father, Bill, just two days before Saturday's upset win over reigning premiers the Brisbane Lions.
"The club has given me some time, which I appreciate given what the last week has entailed," Fraser said.
"Most of my thinking this week has been around the Saints, I'll have a discussion with the club next week."
Fraser is having conversations with different people around him to ensure he is fully across everything the job entailed - like how it will impact his family.
"It's an acknowledgement of the responsibility that comes with being a senior coach," Fraser said.
"I want to make sure that I have all of that information, and if I was to put my hand up and go through the process, that I'm all in on that and everything that comes with it.
"I'd love to think it's as simple as just saying 'yeah, I'm all in' and I've spoken previously around being very ambitious to be a senior coach.
"There's the opportunity for me to take all of the information on board, and if I put my hand up, then I'm all in and it's been a considered approach in that way. And if I don't put my hand up, there will be a reason for that."
Fraser said he had reached the realisation a coach might never know whether they were "completely ready" for a senior job before taking the plunge.
The 44-year-old has received a wealth of support from players, including senior figures Jacob Weitering and Sam Walsh, to take on the job.
"It means a lot," he said.
"There's a lot of people inside our footy club doing a lot of work and the players are the ones that should really be commended for the results we've been able to get in recent times.
"But yeah, I feel like I've got a strong relationship with our playing group and I'm appreciative of the support they've shown."
