Graham Wright: From Tasmania’s Fields to Collingwood Glory
Graham Wright’s football journey is one that exemplifies persistence, dedication, and a deep love for the game. Born in Tasmania, Wright honed his skills on the fields of East Devonport, where his incredible stamina and boundless energy marked him as a player to watch. His non-stop running on the wing became his defining trait, allowing him to harass opponents and provide consistent support for his team both in defense and attack.
However, his road to AFL success was not without its challenges. When Wright first arrived at Collingwood in 1988, he was not an immediate standout. The transition from Tasmanian football to the top level in the VFL (soon to be AFL) took some adjustment. But Wright, ever determined and focused, set about finding his feet. His first year may have been a learning curve, but it laid the foundation for what would become an exceptional career.
Breakthrough Season: 1990
By 1990, Graham Wright had transformed into one of the most formidable players in the league. His relentless running and skill on the wing began to turn heads, making him a key asset to Collingwood’s game plan. Wright had a natural ability to cover vast distances, tirelessly moving up and down the ground, and his versatility allowed him to transition between defense and attack with ease. It was this unique combination of endurance and skill that made him a menace to opposing teams.
That same year, Wright came agonizingly close to securing the Brownlow Medal, the AFL’s most prestigious individual award. He finished just one vote shy of winning, a testament to the level of his performance throughout the season. To be so close to receiving such an honor speaks volumes about his consistency and excellence on the field. His near-Brownlow win is still remembered by many as one of the great ‘what if’ moments in AFL history.
The State of Origin Victory Over Victoria
In 1990, Wright also proudly represented his home state of Tasmania in the State of Origin series. Tasmanian football may not have had the same national profile as Victoria or South Australia, but the state has produced more than its fair share of elite players. That year, Wright was part of the Tasmanian State of Origin team that achieved something remarkable: they defeated Victoria. This victory remains one of the most memorable moments in Tasmanian football history, with Wright playing a pivotal role in the match. His dynamic play on the wing allowed Tasmania to consistently challenge the powerhouse Victorian side, and the upset win brought great pride to his home state.
For Wright, this win was about more than just a game. It was an opportunity to showcase Tasmanian talent on the national stage, and his performance in that match further solidified his reputation as one of the top wingmen in the country. The win over Victoria became a defining moment in Wright’s career, marking him as a player capable of excelling on the biggest stages.
Premiership Glory with Collingwood
If 1990 was already shaping up to be a memorable year for Wright, it would reach its pinnacle with Collingwood’s Premiership win. The Magpies had long been plagued by a premiership drought, with their last victory coming in 1958. But that year, Wright and his teammates would break the infamous “Colliwobbles” and bring the Premiership back to Victoria Park.
Wright’s role in Collingwood’s premiership run was critical. His work ethic, combined with his ability to cover large areas of the field, made him an indispensable player in the team. Collingwood’s playing style, under the guidance of coach Leigh Matthews, emphasized toughness and relentless pressure—attributes that matched Wright’s playing style perfectly. His non-stop running on the wing allowed the Magpies to maintain their pressure on the opposition, creating opportunities for both defensive rebounds and attacking thrusts.
The Grand Final saw Collingwood triumph over Essendon, and Wright was one of the standout performers. His relentless energy and commitment to the team’s cause ensured that Collingwood would finally taste premiership success after a 32-year wait. For Wright, this was the crowning achievement of a breakthrough season that had seen him rise to prominence as one of the best players in the league.
Legacy and Beyond
Graham Wright’s journey from the fields of East Devonport to AFL premiership glory is a story of resilience, hard work, and exceptional talent. His ability to cover ground, combined with his unwavering determination, made him one of the most respected wingmen of his era. While he came painfully close to claiming individual accolades like the Brownlow Medal, Wright’s team-first mentality and his role in Collingwood’s 1990 premiership cement his place in AFL history.
Post-football, Wright has continued to contribute to the game, transitioning into administrative roles. His understanding of the game, honed through years of experience on the field, has made him a valuable asset off the field as well. His legacy, however, will always be tied to that incredible 1990 season, where he came within a whisker of the Brownlow and helped lead Collingwood to the premiership—a fitting reward for a player who always gave everything he had for his team.
