Wright fell out with Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly, his former 1990 premiership teammate and ex-influential player agent, during 2024, which was a key factor in his decision to leave the Magpies, despite the premiership and attempts by president Jeff Browne to smooth the issues and retain him as football boss.

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Wright’s exit had followed the decision by Kelly and the club board to allow the football boss to take a sabbatical, as he travelled overseas with his wife, in the hope of retaining him in the role. Wright had resigned from Collingwood after the 2023 season but the Magpies encouraged him to take leave, paying him as a consultant, and re-shaped their football department in his absence. They moved assistant coaches Justin Leppitsch (now head of strategy and list management) and Brendon Bolton into positions that split Wright’s duties.

Wright filled in as acting CEO at Collingwood before Kelly’s appointment and had harboured an interest in becoming CEO of a club.

This masthead cannot confirm which, if any, other candidates have been approached by Carlton as a prospective successor to Cook, who has been involved in five premierships – two at West Coast in the ’90s and then Geelong’s treble of flags in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

Given that Sayers is almost certain to exit the club at the end of 2025, when his extended term expires (having completed the limit of four terms as a club director), Wright’s appointment at Carlton would need to be fully supported by the club board, not simply the president.

Board member Rob Priestley is viewed as the prime candidate to take over from Sayers, with vice president Patty Kinnersly, the founder of Our Watch, also a potential successor to Sayers, who has been on the club board since 2012.

Wright was contacted for comment.

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