Less than 11 months after their storied premiership, Collingwood have lost one of the principle architects of that flag following the resignation of football boss and ex-premiership hero Graham Wright after a club-paid sabbatical this season.
Tensions between Wright and chief executive Craig Kelly, a former 1990 premiership teammate, were among the factors that have led to the decision to leave the club, as the Pies appear certain to seek an outsider to replace Wright, who has already been sounded by the AFL and other clubs about potential positions.
Leppitsch was empowered during Wright’s sabbatical and given some list-management responsibilities, while fellow assistant Brendon Bolton became GM of football – but will not take up that position in the future restructure, according to well-placed sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. Wright has been in discussions with the AFL, but no specific role has been put forward, while at least two other clubs have sounded him out and there is also the possibility he will be offered a role with the incoming Tasmania Devils, as a former Tasmanian with strong credibility among the clubs.
In a statement confirming Wright’s departure, on behalf of Collingwood, Browne thanked Wright “for his outstanding service and contribution to our club”.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
LIVE AFL: Pies, Freo among sides cheering for Eagles as Blues must overcome injury carnageAFL: Blues coach Michael Voss is embracing this weekend's game as a challenge with 17 players set to miss out due to injury.
Read more »
‘This is the challenge’: Big Pies question as veteran given huge Lions assignment: AFL LIVEAFL: Craig McRae has apologised for his 'selfish' post-match comments after Collingwood's potential season-ending loss to Sydney last Friday.
Read more »
‘Bit of a circus’: Pies coach, AFL world ‘furious’ amid late umpiring drama in thrillerThe First Crack team take a look at massive first possession flaw at the Bulldogs and who can step up to help Patrick Cripps in the midfield for Carlton.
Read more »
AFL: Swans hold top spot in a thriller that knocks Pies out of finals raceCan the Swans dig their way out of a late-season slump, or will the Magpies prove too strong in their push for the finals? Tune in for a cracking Friday night of football.
Read more »
LIVE AFL: Pies hunt slender September hopes against shown-up Swans in must-win clashAFL: Sydney Swans coach John Longmire is confident that his playing group understands that a team first mentality is the reason for success, declaring that any good individual performances are because of the team's overall performance.
Read more »
The déjà vu for Blues after Pies celebrate Pendlebury’s 400th with fairytale winAs he stood the mark for the game’s defining moment, Mason Cox knew the instant the ball left Mitch McGovern’s boot that Collingwood were safe.
Read more »