Loading
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 also 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.”
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.