Collingwood are in negotiations with their holidaying head of football, Graham Wright, about a new role at the club, as the respected administrator seeks a new challenge.
This masthead can also reveal that Wright, one of the key architects of the Magpies’ 2023 premiership, offered his resignation in December last year.
That resignation was not accepted by president Jeff Browne, who came up with the plan for Wright and his wife to travel to New York and Europe on extended leave while Wright stayed connected with the club in a consultancy role during his absence.
Collingwood in talks to keep Wright when sabbatical
Collingwood are in negotiations with their holidaying head of football, Graham Wright, about a new role at the club, as the respected administrator seeks a new challenge.
This masthead can also reveal that Wright, one of the key architects of the Magpies’ 2023 premiership, offered his resignation in December last year.
That resignation was not accepted by president Jeff Browne, who came up with the plan for Wright and his wife to travel to New York and Europe on extended leave while Wright stayed connected with the club in a consultancy role during his absence.
Two senior Collingwood sources, who weren’t willing to speak publicly due to the sensitive nature of the topic, said it was likely that the club would restructure the football department at the end of this season as they attempt to keep Wright.
At the time of publication, Collingwood had declined to comment on the record.
Wright could not be reached for comment.
He is due back in Melbourne at the end of August, by which time Collingwood hope they will have solidified their position inside the top eight.
Time running out for Magpies, Greene is good for football: Key takeouts from round 18
The Magpies sit 12th on the ladder heading into round 19 and are likely to need to win four of their last six matches to revive any hope of back-to-back flags.
Senior Collingwood insiders are adamant that the team’s decline in form is in no way linked to Wright’s absence.
But no one can quantify its impact on the inner workings of the club’s football department.
Wright’s sabbatical has meant that assistant coaches Justin Leppitsch and Brendon Bolton have had increased workloads, while senior coach Craig McRae has also picked up some slack.
Chief executive Craig Kelly has been doing work in the football department, beyond his regular remit.
Some of the restructuring has already begun, with Wright’s right-hand woman, Clare Pettyfor, switching roles and returning to the Demons earlier this year.
Pettyfor previously worked at Melbourne in a media and communications role.
Wright has made it clear privately that he wants to explore career opportunities beyond being a list manager – which he made himself famous for at Hawthorn – and a head of football.
Three senior football sources told The Scoop that Wright was interested in being a club chief executive, and had been interested in the role at new AFL club the Tasmania Devils before it was filled by Richmond boss Brendon Gale.
The club announced Wright’s sabbatical just before Christmas last year.
“Having extended leave and spending some time travelling overseas during our winter has been on the cards for me for a few years, and now is the right time for my wife and I to do that,” Wright said in a statement.
“It has been a great few seasons at Collingwood so far and to reach the ultimate success with our men’s program this year is a real credit to everyone involved at our club.
“Through my discussions with Jeff [Browne], Ned [Kelly] and Fly [McRae], we agreed that I will stay connected to the club in a consultancy role providing advice to the CEO and wider club during my time away with a plan to return to full-time work in September
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Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury commits to playing 20th AFL season with Magpies
Scott Pendlebury has confirmed he will play on for a remarkable 20th season in 2025 as the Collingwood great gears up to become just the sixth man to play 400 AFL/VFL games.
Pendlebury, 36, will reach the extraordinary milestone when he lines up against fierce rivals Carlton at the MCG on Saturday night.
He can overtake Essendon great Dustin Fletcher (400 games) the following week and will draw level with Kevin Bartlett (403) if he plays all four remaining regular-season games.
After confirming his new contract, Pendlebury is also on track to overtake Shaun Burgoyne (407 games) for the third-most games played next year.
He could leapfrog Michael Tuck (426) next year but will need to go around again in 2026 to overtake record holder Brent Harvey (432).
“To be honest, I just want to get through 400 and try and get a win,” Pendlebury told SEN on Monday morning.
“So it’ll depend on how my form and how the team’s going.
“Fly (coach Craig McRae) has been really good with me and the conversations we have ongoing about where he sees me and where I see myself and also planning for the future.
“So it’ll depend on how my form and how the team’s going.
“Fly (coach Craig McRae) has been really good with me and the conversations we have ongoing about where he sees me and where I see myself and also planning for the future.
“So it’ll depend on how my form and how the team’s going.
“Fly (coach Craig McRae) has been really good with me and the conversations we have ongoing about where he sees me and where I see myself and also planning for the future.
“Because I know that I’m probably on the back three of the golf course, probably the back two.
“So, if I do happen to get there (break Harvey’s record) it will be because the football club and me think it’s the best thing to do, but it’s not one where I’m going to put myself ahead of the club and try and get there for my own personal goals.”
When pressed on whether his contract was signed for next year, Pendlebury said: “Yeah, it’s all done.
“I think there’s just a few final little details. But yeah, it’s all locked away, so looking forward to playing next year.”
Pendlebury is a two-time premiership player, former Collingwood captain and five-time best and fairest winner since he was drafted at pick No.5 in 2005.
He said he planned to soak up the occasion of his milestone game and looked forward to celebrating it with his family.
I will take some time to reflect this week and reach out to all the people that have helped me along the journey to say ‘thank you’,” he said.
“Because as I’ve said probably a number of times, you don’t get here by yourself.”
