Matthew Wright will captain Adelaide’s SANFL side for a fourth season, with the Club confirming the news on Friday.
Wright was first appointed skipper in 2019 and has held the position ever since, despite Adelaide not taking part in the SANFL competition in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 32-year-old retired from the AFL at the end of 2018 after 159 games with Adelaide and Carlton.
He then returned to SA where he took up a dual role with the Crows as a part-time development coach, as well as lining up in the Club’s State League side.
Wright has played in 107 SANFL games (41 for the Crows and 64 for North Adelaide) and booted 67 career goals.
New recruit Nathan Freeman will provide support for Wright as the Club’s SANFL leadership player.
Adelaide signed the former St Kilda and Collingwood-listed midfielder to its SANFL squad last month.
Crows SANFL Senior Coach Michael Godden said Wright was an “outstanding leader” and deserved another season at the helm.
“Matthew drives standards, is experienced and is a great mentor to the younger players,” Godden said.
“He is not just a good footballer, but a great person and we are thrilled to have him captain our side again in 2022.”
Godden said Freeman would also add plenty of experience to the developing side.
“Nathan has worked really hard to get his body right after a few setbacks and we are pleased he chose to join our team,” Godden said.
“His experience after being at two AFL Clubs will hold him in good stead and we are excited to have him work alongside Matthew as a leader for the younger players.”
Wright said it was an honour to skipper the side again.
“I am pumped that I get to lead the young brigade of AFL listed players and our next generation coming through, as well as a terrific group of SANFL Development players who are working hard to be the best they can be,” Wright said.
“I’ve seen some of the blokes who are now playing regular AFL footy grow and coming from a SANFL background myself, it’s awesome to help guide these kids.
“Nathan has also been fantastic for the group since coming across, being that little bit older and having that bit of life experience.
“He will play very good footy for us but will more importantly be someone I can lean on and be that extra guy out there leading the team and communicating on game day.”
Adelaide’s 2022 SANFL campaign kicks off with a ‘Showdown’ against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday, April 1, at 4.10pm.
It is the curtain raiser to the AFL Showdown between Adelaide and Port Adelaide, which starts at 7.50pm.
