Katamatite export and former AFL North Melbourne player Sam Wright has been appointed to take the reins as Collingwood’s AFLW coach.
After being selected out of Katamatite Football Club in the 2008 national draft, Wright forged an 11-year playing career of his own in the top flight, running out 136 times for North Melbourne and kicking 58 goals.
Wright has arguably been just as prolific in his off-field pursuits since retiring in 2019, if not more, with his post-playing years spent across roles with The Australian Ballet and Cricket Victoria.
Alongside his time working in player development — which involved collaboration with both Melbourne-based Big Bash League sides — Wright came home to the Kangaroos to work in a similar role with their AFLW side.
Now the stage is set for the former Murray Bushranger to ply his trade in the spotlight all on his own.
“Our recruitment process for this role was extremely thorough and we left no stone unturned in finding the right coach to lead our AFL program into the next chapter,” Collingwood executive general manager of football Graeme Wright said in a statement.
“From a criteria perspective we wanted a coach who could foster a high-performance environment, build and maintain strong relationships with both players and staff and have a strong foundation in developing people and footballers.
“Over the course of the process, it became apparent that Sam not only met all our outlined criteria, but is also a leader who embodies our values as a club.”
Wright’s Pies have work ahead of them in season 2024 and beyond, after finishing 11th with a 5-5 record last season following two straight losses to close the campaign early.
Offensive firepower was a worry in 2023, with Collingwood ranked 13th for total points, only posting 11 more than the 1-9 wooden spoon Western Bulldogs.
The backline has lost significant experience as well with Ash Brazill finding a new home at Fremantle during the trade period.
Pies president Jeff Browne told the club’s website Wright was unequivocally in lock-step heading into the job.
“Sam’s alignment with Collingwood’s vision for our AFLW program is key to our future success and we are excited about what lies ahead,” Browne said.
“His background, combined with his character, will greatly benefit our program and we look forward to seeing him play a pivotal role in driving the continued development and growth of our playing group.”
As for the man himself, from his humble beginnings in Picola District Football League, Wright looks ahead excitedly as well with official duties to commence in the new year.
“I look forward to meeting this talented group of footballers very soon and cannot wait to get to work in what will be a very exciting next chapter of this program where we will strive to get better, together,” Wright told the club’s website.
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