In a significant development within the AFL community, Graham Wright has been appointed as the Deputy CEO of the Carlton Football Club, marking a strategic leadership succession at IKON Park.
Departure from Collingwood
Collingwood Football Club made the announcement on August 19, 2024, confirming Wright’s decision to depart after his sabbatical.
Collingwood President Jeff Browne expressed his gratitude for Wright’s contributions:
“On behalf of everyone at the Collingwood Football Club, I thank Graham Wright for his outstanding service and contribution to our Club. Graham has spent over three decades in the elite AFL system – first as a Premiership player for Collingwood and then as a much-respected and successful administrator.”
Browne acknowledged the mutual decision for Wright to pursue new opportunities:
“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. All of us at Collingwood wish Graham, his wife Tracey and children James and Ethan all the best and every success for the next chapter.”
Wright reflected on his time at Collingwood with appreciation:
“Thank you to the players, staff and supporters for making my time at Collingwood an enjoyable period of my career. I am grateful to have been able to serve the Collingwood Football Club.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 03: Graham Wright, GM of Football of the Magpies speaks with media during The 2022 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period at Marvel Stadium on October 03, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
New Beginnings at Carlton
On October 9, the Carlton Football Club announced that its Board has ratified the appointment of Graham Wright as the Club’s Deputy CEO. This move is part of a planned leadership succession, where Wright will work alongside esteemed Chief Executive Brian Cook.
Commencing on Monday, October 14, Wright will undergo a detailed transition period with Cook, who is contracted until the end of the 2025 AFL season. This collaborative handover aims to ensure a seamless leadership transition centered around the long-term best interests of the Club.
Carlton President Luke Sayers highlighted the significance of Wright’s appointment:
“We have 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 unmatched and will be an invaluable asset as this club looks to evolve to the level required to contend for premierships in the coming years.”
Sayers emphasized the strength of having both Wright and Cook in senior leadership roles:
“To have Graham Wright and Brian Cook working alongside one another for this next period of time – as a Carlton person you could not ask for two more highly regarded individuals to guide the transition of our Club’s senior leadership.”
Graham Wright’s Perspective
Wright expressed his enthusiasm about joining Carlton and working with Brian Cook:
“I have great respect and admiration for Brian and all he has achieved and continues to achieve in our game, the chance to now work alongside him and garner his knowledge to complement my own experiences is something I am certainly looking forward to doing.”
He is eager to connect with the Carlton community:
“The pride and passion of this football club is incredible, so the opportunity I now have to connect with and meet the Carlton people who make this club what it is, it is one of the experiences I am looking forward to most.”
Wright is optimistic about contributing to Carlton’s pursuit of success:
“That collective desire to be great, I’ve already felt that across all levels at Carlton. To me, that is as strong an indication as any that this club is willing to build itself the right way to give itself every opportunity to be successful. I’d like to thank Luke, Brian, and the Board for this exciting opportunity.”
Brian Cook on the Transition
Current Carlton CEO Brian Cook spoke about the strategic importance of the leadership succession:
“The opportunity to execute this transition in a way that not only sets the Club up for the next 12 months, but many years after that, will be important in ensuring this club continues its forward momentum.”
Cook is confident that Wright will continue the Club’s strategic path to success:
“Our strategic plan has been the cornerstone of what we have built this club into over the last three years, and I’d like to ensure Graham is in a great position, along with the strength of our high-performing executive team, to continue that work and deliver for all Carlton people.”
A Remarkable Career
With nearly 40 years in elite football, Graham Wright brings a wealth of experience:
- Playing Career: An 11-year playing career with Collingwood.
- Recruiting and Administration:
- 2004: Began recruiting with the Brisbane Lions.
- 2007: Joined Hawthorn’s recruiting and list management team, contributing to four premierships in eight seasons.
- 2018: Promoted to Head of Football at Hawthorn.
- 2021: Appointed Executive General Manager of Football at Collingwood, leading to a premiership in 2023.
Looking Ahead
As Wright transitions into his new role at Carlton, both clubs are preparing for the future. Collingwood is working through the best possible structure to support their AFL program moving forward, while Carlton is positioning itself for sustained success with Wright and Cook at the helm.
