Matthew Wright Biography

Matthew Wright announces his surprise retirement to return to his former club Adelaide as a forwards development coach in a part-time role.

"Clearly I've loved my time at Carlton and the passion is still there to play senior footy, but ultimately my desire to pursue my coaching ambitions became too strong and I believe the time is now right to follow that," Wright said.

"My wife and I are expecting our first child next year and when the opportunity presented to return back to our home state there was a lot to weigh up, but we feel it is the right decision."

Matthew Wright has signed a one-year contract extension with the club.

The 27-year-old South Australian has been a valued acquisition for the Blues since arriving from the Crows for the 2016 season, kicking a club-best 22 goals last year and slotting 17 so far in 2017.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to sign on for another year with the club. It's nice to be able to lock that away now and focus on a really strong back half of the season with my teammates," Wright said.

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton continues to find praise for Matthew Wright who has resurrected his AFL career at Ikon Park, after Adelaide delisted him two years ago following 94 games in six years for the Crows.

"The one thing he is – and this can sound a little bit lame for the type of player he is – but he's a role player, a very diligent role player," Bolton said of Wright.

"When you do that, you get rewards. He plays in a way that gives great lessons to our youngsters.

"Just stick to your role, don't try and do anything too different and you'll be rewarded. It's funny how footy pays you back when you do that."

Carlton coach Brendon Bolton expresses his appreciation for Matthew Wright after the small forward bagged a game-high four goals in an upset victory over Sydney at the MCG.

"I'm just so happy that we were fortunate enough to get Matty Wright," Bolton said.

"He keeps kicking goals, he keeps tackling, (he has) a no-fuss attitude around our footy club and he organises really well.

"He's been a good player for us."

Matthew Wright signs a one-year contract extension after an impressive first season with the Blues.

Wright joined the Blues 12 months ago on a one-year deal as a delisted free agent and stepped straight in to be the club's leading goalkicker with 22 goals.

"I just tried to make the most of my opportunities this season and my teammates and coaches have been really supportive," he said.

"The culture we are establishing at the club is really strong and I’m excited about another year with this group."

Matthew Wright is delisted by the Crows.

"Matthew was very professional during his time at West Lakes and he always put the team’s needs first," Crows head of football David Noble said.

"After starting his career as a rookie he worked hard to get the most out of himself.

"Matthew was a popular member of our playing group and the club wishes him all the best for the future."

After inconsistent form in 2013, Matthew Wright has shined in the Crows' first two NAB Challenge matches with 36 and 29 disposals respectively against Port Adelaide and Carlton.

"I've been fortunate enough to play a bit more midfield with some of the boys who didn't play last week and then obviously got the opportunity again last night," Wright said.

"I was in that run-with role early 2012 and then did a bit of that in 2013 and then they wanted to play me just as a genuine mid, but I probably didn't handle the change.

"There's going to be different times in games where I'm going to have to run with someone and then play as an offensive midfielder, so it's just that mindset of being able to change quarter to quarter."

Matthew Wright admits to struggling at times with being used both as a midfielder and forward this season but says clearly defined roles and expectations have helped him play better football.

"At the start of the year I was playing that same run-with role as a defensive mid, then I've moved forward and at the end of the game I was wondering why I wasn't getting the numbers I was used to," Wright said.

"Once I cleared it up with the coaches and what they wanted from me when I'm playing one role and then when I play the other role, that made it a lot easier to narrow my focus.

"Now when I'm in the midfield I know what 'Campo' (Scott Camporeale) expects from me and then when I'm up forward I know what sort of role I play amongst our other boys in there."

Matthew Wright had to wait till round 4 to get a senior game when he made the most of his opportunity against Greater Western Sydney, collecting 23 touches.

There's no point moping around, you've just got to embrace what you can and just take it on. You can only control what's put in front of you," Wright said.

"I'm very fortunate that I was a North Adelaide boy growing up, so when I'm not in the ones at the Crows, it's a good opportunity to go back and play for North and play footy with some mates that I've grown up with."

Matthew Wright makes his AFL debut for Adelaide at Football Park with 8 disposals (3 kicks and 5 handballs), 2 marks and a tackle in a 32-point loss to Port Adelaide.

Adelaide rookie Matthew Wright says he appreciates the opportunity being given to him by the Crows.

"You've got to get your foot in the door and then it all falls back onto you a bit," he said.

"With the facilities the Crows have now got it's going to be up to the individual as to whether they make it or not. I certainly won't be taking it for granted."