This year shapes as one of the most open AFL drafts in years, and if his current form trend continues then Peter Wright can expect to be at the top of plenty of recruiters’ lists.
The Calder Cannons product came into the year with plenty of buzz around him, but has taken some time to find his best form after an interrupted pre-season.
“My form’s been a bit up and down which is disappointing, but it’s starting to come together,” Wright says.
“My main goal at the start of the year was to play consistent footy, I had a tendon injury that I had to rest which set me back a bit but now that the nationals have started I’m starting to get used to the standard which has helped a lot.”
Wright – a 203 centimetre, 102 kilogram ruck/forward who’s modelled his game on Sydney’s Kurt Tippett – leads the Cannons goal scorers this season, with bags of five (against Northern Knights) and six (all in the second half against Geelong) earmarking him as one to watch in the under-18 national championships.
He grabbed everyone’s attention in Vic Metro’s match against South Australia on June 14 with three goals, 10 marks, and 29 hitouts to be a standout player on the ground.
“I like playing forward, I don’t mind a goal and I feel like I play my better footy down there,” Wright says.
“They’ve [Vic Metro] challenged me to take on the ruck role as well and I’ve enjoyed that challenge. It’s always good to be able to play a duel role, that’s what clubs are looking for.”
Cannons region manager Ian Kyte didn’t hold back in his assessment of Wright, but said whether or not he goes with the top pick will depend on who finishes at the bottom in the AFL this year.
“Peter’s ability to play as a tall forward, or a mobile ruckman is elite,” Kyte says.
“He runs three seconds for 20 metres, and has great endurance. It’s a good crop in the draft this year, and it will depend on what the requirements are of the wooden spoon team. If he does go number one it will be richly deserved.”
Wright said keeping his mind off the outside distractions was the key for him for the rest of the year.
“There’s a bit of scrutiny at times, but I just try to enjoy my footy because that’s when I play my best,” he says.
“I put more pressure on myself to perform than anyone else does, but if I relax then I play good footy and that’s all I can do at this stage.”
EWEN MCRAE
