Matthew Wright will return to his home state in 2019 to take on a dual-role with Adelaide after hanging up the boots at AFL level.

The 28-year-old announced his retirement on Tuesday following 159 AFL games across two Clubs.

He joins the Crows to captain the Club’s SANFL team while also working as a part-time development coach.

Wright said his last three years at Carlton ignited his passion for player development.

“I learned a lot working with a young group at Carlton and being a senior figure there. Helping some of their recent draftees with their learning and development was really satisfying,” Wright said.

“I’m looking forward to being able to take my own learnings and sharing them with those coming through the ranks at the Crows.”

Crows Head of Football Brett Burton welcomed Wright back to the Club.

“Matt was a well-liked, respected and hardworking player during his time at the Crows,” Burton said.

“His journey has been one built on resilience and now he will be able to pass down those lessons to our younger players.

“His leadership and experience will bring a significant boost to our SANFL team and the wider Club.”



Matthew Wright and Tom Lynch celebrate a goal in 2014

Wright started his AFL career at West Lakes after being selected with Pick No. 33 in the 2010 Rookie Draft.

He made his AFL debut in Round Four, 2011, going on to play 94 games in five seasons with the Crows before moving to Carlton for the 2016 season.

A constant in Carlton’s developing forward line, Wright missed just one game in three years in the navy blue, booting 73 goals from his 65 appearances.

Wright will return to the SANFL competition for the first time since 2015, having played 68 games for North Adelaide and four for Adelaide.