Three years at Carlton did more than just extend Matthew Wright’s playing career.
Despite being just 25, Wright joined the Blues with nearly 100 games under his belt - an invaluable dose of experience for the fledgling Carlton side.
Surrounded by young teammates, it was at Carlton that Wright discovered a new football passion - coaching.
“When I went to Carlton, it was a pretty contrasting playing list, they are a Club rebuilding and it was quite a young list,” Wright said.
“I really enjoyed working with the young forwards there and I really started dipping my toes in the coaching aspect and working with the forward coaches at Carlton.
“That’s where the love of coaching came from.”
Wright retired from AFL football at the end of the 2018 season and subsequently returned home to South Australia.
Just days later, Adelaide announced Wright would become the new Crows SANFL captain and Club forward development coach.
“Footy at the elite level doesn’t last forever, so you’ve got to look for the next step, post footy,” he said.
“Obviously getting a little bit older, my time was getting near so we made the call, and with a little one on the way, we wanted to get back home with family.”
SANFL Team: Veteran duo return
The dual position is perfect for the 29-year-old, who can continue to play while working in his new-found passion.
“I’m still getting my footy fix which is nice, but also trying to help the young boys develop and push their names forward for an AFL birth,” Wright said.
“I’m really enjoying what I’m doing now in development, trying to shape them and help them build a career.
“I’ve got fantastic coaches around me and the older players that I used to run around have been great, giving advice as well.”
While Wright cited Ben Davis and Tyson Stengle as two young players who have impressed him up forward, the captain himself has been a standout inside 50.
Leading the team to four wins in six weeks, Wright has kicked 12 goals to have him equal fourth in the League’s goalkicking tally.
Wright will look to continue that form in the SANFL Showdown at Alberton Oval on Saturday afternoon.
