Collingwood football boss’ departure confirmed after backlash over holiday photos with family

Collingwood has announced that Graham Wright will not be taking over as their football manager again. The club gave Wright permission to take a family sabbatical abroad, which angered some AFL fans. Although Wright hasn’t left his position, he and his wife Tracey have been travelling around the US and Europe since March.

It was decided that Wright would take a year off and return rejuvenated. The 56-year-old had sought a sabbatical and had even given the club his resignation. Wright spent thirty-five consecutive years in the AFL, first as a player and subsequently in a variety of off-field capacities. Last year, he assisted in leading Collingwood to triumphant premiership.

Graham Wright along with his family.
With his family, Graham Wright has been travelling around America and Europe on sabbatical. Picture courtesy of Instagram/Getty
After his vacation, the Magpies had hoped Wright would stay in the position; however, the team announced on Monday that he will not be coming back. “We have been in constant discussions with Graham during his sabbatical and both of us have agreed that Graham be free to pursue new opportunities to further develop his already distinguished career,” Jeff Browne, the president of the Magpies, said. “All of us at Collingwood wish Graham, his wife Tracey and children James and Ethan all the best and every success for the next chapter.”

2022: Graham Wright at Collingwood.
Graham Wright has participated in the AFL continuously for the last thirty-five years. (Image courtesy of Getty Images via Michael Willson/AFL Photos))
Graham Wright received backlash for sharing vacation images on social media.
It comes after Wright received criticism from Port Adelaide legend Kane Cornes for sharing pictures from his vacation on social media during a time when his team was having a lot of trouble. With just a mathematical chance of finishing in the top eight going into the final round of the regular season, Collingwood is poised to become the third reigning premier in four seasons to miss out on the finals.

Cornes felt it was a bad idea for Wright to be making a big deal out of his vacation when he was still officially working in the position. Last month, Cornes stated on the Channel 9 show “Footy Classified,” “If he’s out, he’s out.” “While we’re sitting 12th on the ladder and attempting to make it to the finals, let’s simply pay him to take a vacation and watch his Instagram clips.

We shouldn’t blame someone for taking a vacation or a break—the industry is quite demanding. However, after viewing the pictures of him on vacation that he posted on Instagram, I don’t believe it looks good when your team is ranked 12th and you’re on vacation with your head of football.”

On vacation with his family is Graham Wright.