3 minute read

AFL powerhouses Carlton have announced former Collingwood football boss Graham Wright as their next chief executive officer, in a massive coup.

Carlton have swooped on former Collingwood football boss Graham Wright as their next chief executive officer, delivering a stinging blow to their fierce AFL rivals.

The Blues announced on Wednesday that Wright will be current Carlton CEO Brian Cook's deputy before taking the reins full-time via a handover plan.

Carlton are attempting to bounce back from their meek elimination-final exit this season, when they were hammered by injuries.

"(With) nearly 40 years of experience in football's elite level, Graham is in rare company when considering his resume," president Luke Sayers said on Wednesday.

"In my opinion, in the board's opinion, we've appointed the best football person in the country to lead our football club. 

"Graham's proven ability to take a football club from good to great is, in my opinion, in the board's opinion, unmatched, and will be an invaluable asset as this club looks to evolve to the level required to contend for premierships into the future."

It is a massive coup for Carlton, with Wright, the mastermind behind Collingwood's 2023 premiership, in heavy demand after quitting the Magpies following a leave of absence this year.

Adelaide had also tried to lure Wright to oversee their football program.

"I had some interest, but after I spoke to Luke, which was about six or seven weeks ago, this was always number one for me," Wright said. 

"In saying that, I had some great conversation with other clubs and the AFL also, and I did consider those. But when this opportunity was there, I wanted to see that through."

Wright, who brushed aside the suggestion there were "creative tensions" with Magpies CEO Craig Kelly, said the opportunity to become Carlton chief executive had piqued his interest.

"I acted in the role for three or four months at Collingwood, and that probably whet my appetite for it," he said. 

"I felt and believed that I had more to give than just football. 

"But I know how big football is and such an important part of any football club. So when that opportunity was there, and particularly to work with Brian, I was really excited."

Wright, a 1990 premiership player with the Magpies, spent an extended period under Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn, where he was instrumental in building the list that won four premierships.

He moved to Collingwood in 2021, and two years later delivered the 2023 premiership, before taking an overseas sabbatical.

The 56-year-old wanted a break following 35 straight years involved in the AFL.

He ultimately didn't return this season, when Collingwood failed to make the finals, with his departure announced in August.