Collingwood football boss Graham Wright leaves the club following an overseas vacation.
Collingwood football boss Graham Wright has resigned from his position, opting not to return after the Magpies granted him an overseas sabbatical earlier this year. Wright and his wife Tracey have been traveling in the United States and Europe since March.
The 56-year-old Graham Wright, a key architect behind Collingwood’s premiership last year, has decided to step down from his role. After being granted a sabbatical earlier this year, Wright chose not to return, having been on leave throughout the entire home-and-away season.
Wright, who had a 35-year career in the AFL as a player and in various off-field roles, had been traveling in the United States and Europe with his wife Tracey. Although Collingwood was confident he would return refreshed, Wright will now leave the club to explore new opportunities.
Magpies president Jeff Browne stated, “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.” Browne and the club extended their best wishes to Wright and his family.
Wright, a 1990 premiership player with Collingwood, had previously spent a significant period at Hawthorn under Alastair Clarkson before joining the Magpies in 2021. When Wright’s sabbatical was announced last December, Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly emphasized the club’s intention to normalize such leave for key personnel.
During Wright’s absence, assistant coach Brendon Bolton largely filled his role. As the season concludes, Collingwood is facing the possibility of missing the finals, entering the last round with only a slim chance of making the top eight.
