Collingwood set for further shake-up as football boss departs

Graham Wright, the head coach of Collingwood football, is rumoured to have spent his final day as a Magpie. The seasoned general manager is supposedly leaving the reigning premiers.

After continuing conversations with coach Craig McRae and president Jeff Browne, Wright’s leave from his extensive role was officially finalised last December. Wright has been on sabbatical in Europe since March.

At first, it was thought that the 56-year-old would arrive back in Australia in time for the team’s planned off-season and finals series. With one game left, Collingwood is now viewed as having a slim chance of making it to September.

Wright will not be making a comeback to football through Olympic Park as he will be leaving his position permanently.

Wright’s anticipated exit has been officially announced, according to Mitch Cleary of 7 News, despite AFL interest and rumours of a possible position with the new expansion team Tasmania.

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AFL House may extend an offer of employment to the highly regarded administrator. Over the past 18 months, as League HQ navigates the early years of the Andrew Dillon period, significant changes have occurred.

Tasmania will play in the AFL in 2028, and important positions at the Devils must be filled at least a year before they are appointed.

With the departure of former football manager Clare Pettyfor earlier this year, Magpies mainstays Brendon Bolton and Justin Leppitsch may see more position changes as a result of Wright’s departure. Bolton and Leppitsch have been working harder since Wright’s departure.

At Collingwood, Wright had a multifaceted position that included overseeing the football program, managing the club’s roster, and managing the recruitment department.

Before taking over as Waverley’s head of football in 2007, the former Magpies player and Tasmanian native served in important capacities at Hawthorn, leading both their recruitment and list departments from 2007 to 2009. He helped the team achieve four premierships during this illustrious time.

Under Wright and McRae, Collingwood quickly achieved success, and the two men used their influence to propel the Magpies to the 2023 Premiership.