Graham Wright

Who is Graham Wright?

Graham Wright is a former Australian rules footballer, in the Australian Football League.

Wright was selected by Collingwood in the 1987 National Draft with their first round pick as a quick wingman, having shown great courage for Tasmanian side East Devonport. Making his debut in 1988, Wright took his time to prove his value as a first-round draftee but in 1990 he had a fantastic year which saw him rise in ranking amongst the top wingmen in the league. Wright finished 2nd in the Brownlow Medal to Tony Liberatore by one vote in 1990, and would then finish equal 3rd in the Copeland Trophy. Perhaps more importantly, Wright was a valuable member of the 1990 premiership side. Wright would also represent Tasmania in State football.

A shock came to coach Leigh Matthews and players at the end of 1991 when Wright announced he wanted to return to Tasmania to play football, but was talked out of it by Matthews. In 1993 he was a victim of a disease which threatened his playing career, but he recovered in the pre-season to continue playing his damaging football on the wing. Consistent football followed in the mid-90's before suffering a knee injury in 1996 against Richmond where he would require a knee reconstruction. Following the season-ending injury, his main asset of pace was severely effected, and would play out his career in defence where his courage gave him an edge. Wright played his 200th game against Carlton in 1998, before retiring a week later at the end of the 1998 season.