Promising midfielder Matthew Wright has signed a new two-year deal with Adelaide, tying him to the Club until at least the end of 2015.
Wright, 23, enjoyed a breakout season in 2012. The classy onballer played 22 games, nullifying some of the game’s most damaging onballers, while winning plenty of his own footy. He was recognised for an individually brilliant season, finishing ninth in the Crows Club Champion award.
“It was a really simple decision for me to re-sign with the Club and I was pretty happy to get it done as soon as possible,” Wright told the RAA News Update.
“I’m rapt to be here another for another two years.”
Originally recruited in the 2010 Rookie Draft (pick No.33),Wright has played 52 games since making his AFL debut in Round Four, 2011. General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble said the former North Adelaide junior was important part of Adelaide’s midfield going forward.
“Matt has developed into an important running midfielder, who has the ability to push forward and kick goals. He looks comfortable at AFL level and is a quality player that often sneaks under the radar,” Noble said.
“He has a great work ethic and is a quality person that you want around your football club. We believe he has the capability to further develop his game and are pleased he wants to be part of our playing group as it continues to develop and improve.”
By his own admission, Wright had an up and down start to season 2013. The goalkicking onballer, who took over retired defender Michael Doughty’s No.11 guernsey this season, rediscovered his standout form of 2012 a fortnight ago. He overcame injury to kick a career-best four goals in a match-defining performance against Gold Coast.
“I actually kicked a couple of goals before I got the corkie, but I try to keep that quiet,” Wright said.
“I copped a knock on my quad and had to keep moving. Fortunately, a few balls landed in my lap and I was able to kick a couple more.
“Last year was a good year for me. You sort of get one year’s grace to fly under the radar a little bit, but this season has been harder. Hopefully, I can still contribute to the team, do the team things and we can turn our year around starting this week.”
Wright joins 2012 Rising Star Daniel Talia, captain Nathan van Berlo, defenders Brent Reilly and Luke Brown, forward Tom Lynch and promising talent Cam Ellis-Yolmen in committing to the Crows this year. Wright said he was excited about what the future had in store for the young Adelaide side.
“We’re heading in the right direction. We made a prelim final last year and this year hasn’t gone to plan, but there are still plenty of opportunities for us to play finals footy and that’s still the aim,” he said.
“I see us playing finals for many years to come and I really look forward to that.”