The 2015 off-season saw a flurry of changes to team lists, with high-profile players such as Patrick Dangerfield, Charlie Dixon, Adam Treloar, Harley Bennell, Jake Carlilsle moving to new clubs.
One move which didn’t garner a lot of attention was Matthew Wright’s shift to Carlton after being delisted by the Adelaide Crows.
While the 2016 season is only eight games old, the acquisition of Wright looks an astute one by the Blues.
Wright’s delisting by Adelaide was a bit of a surprise. Many players are delisted after a period of time on the list without contributing or failing to play a game, but Wright did not fall into those categories.
Starting at the Crows as a rookie list player, Wright was drafted to the main list with pick 82 in the 2011 draft and went on to play 94 games in five seasons. Last year he played 16 games, but did not play an AFL game after Round 18, the Crows obviously deciding he was surplus to requirements after falling out of favour.
The Blues signed Wright as a delisted free agent and Carlton list manager Stephen Silvagni was full of praise on his arrival, saying, “Matthew is an inside midfielder-forward with clean hands who’s a good set shot and quick around the packs Importantly, he’s also a quality person who will bring experience and leadership to our team.”
Yet Wright’s impact so far may even be beyond Carlton’s expectations, and other clubs may be thinking they should have given the 26-year-old a lifeline.
Wright has gathered 20 touches or more in six out of eight games, and is averaging 21.9 disposals per game. The pressure he has been renowned for on the opposition is evident, laying 31 tackles to be ranked fourth at the club. Wright has also had an impact on the scoreboard, kicking seven goals to be the Blues’ third-highest scorer.
He may not be a superstar, but Wright has proven to be a significant player in the new-look Blues.
Expectations may have been low for 2016, but the unfancied Matthew Wright and the Blues are moving the club in the right direction.
Paul
Guest
Kerridge has been a great pick up as well for Carlton. Slowly but surely trending in the right direction.
The Original Buzz
Guest
He may have been called up this week with the crows current situation. They were saying on the radio tonight a few players will be dropped this week.
Ian
Guest
Yeah the move has worked well, but If he was still at Adelaide would he be getting a game? I don't think he would.
Macca
Guest
The idea Wright was a solid contributor at the crows is borne out if you look at his Stats, they aren't massively up this year compared to the rest of his career - 21.1 disposals compared to a career 17.3, 3.9 tackles compared to 3.3 and 0.9 goals compared to 0.7. Seems the blues just valued his contributions more.
The Original Buzz
Roar Rookie
I was surprised by the Crows delisting him. As you say Liam, "Many players are delisted after a period of time on the list without contributing or failing to play a game, but Wright did not fall into those categories." He was a reasonably solid contributor for the Crows and SOS obviously did his homework with Matt. As they say, Their loss.....
Macca
Guest
Another example of good recruiting by the blues in the off season. Wright is not going to be a superstar but he is a professional and an extremely hard worker and plays his role well (like Kerridge) and the blues wanted those types around to help set the tone for the young blokes coming through.
Ants32
Roar Rookie
Was always a good average player at the Crows. I have no idea why they dumped him. Just too many to fill a similar role? That was the excuse. I thought it was stupid and knew he had plenty more to offer. Well done, Matthew. And good luck in the future at your new home in Carlton.
Joe
Guest
I never really noticed him that much at the Crows. Didn't realise he played almost 100 games there. Certainly playing well now, maybe a bit more responsibility has helped.