Carlton are set to name David Teague as their full-time senior coach on a three-year deal, according to reports.
Teague has shone in the caretaker role since Brendon Bolton was sacked after round 11, guiding the Blues to five wins from nine games.
Carlton had won just one game from 11 rounds prior to that.
Teague’s hopes of landing the full-time role looked slim when Carlton’s football director Chris Judd said the Blues didn’t want to hire a coach that still had “training wheels” on.
But Carlton’s hot performances under Teague – plus the love the players showed towards him – put him in the box seat to win the full-time role.
Carlton are expected to formally announce Teague’s appointment at a press conference on Thursday.
Teague isn’t the only caretaker coach to have flourished this year.
Rhyce Shaw was appointed head coach of the Kangaroos after also impressing in the caretaker role following Brad Scott’s exit.
And Brett Ratten is firming to be announced as St Kilda’s next coach after guiding the Saints to three wins from his four games in charge since Alan Richardson was sacked.
Carlton will be aiming to finish the season strongly when they take on St Kilda and Geelong over the next fortnight.