Matthew Wright decided to join Adelaide as a development coach after Carlton did not guarantee him a place on the club’s list in 2019.
Wright, 28, announced his AFL retirement on Tuesday, hanging up the boots after 159 games, 65 of which came at the Blues over the past three seasons.
The small forward will rejoin the Crows, the club that delisted him at the end of 2015, in a dual role where he will captain the club’s SANFL side in addition to his coaching position.
Matthew Wright has retired.
It’s understood he has signed a three-year deal with Adelaide.
Wright joined the Blues as a delisted free agent three years ago, and has been a mainstay of the Carlton side under Brendon Bolton. He kicked 73 goals for the Blues, and was the club’s leading goalkicker in 2016.
After starting the 2018 season strongly with five goals against reigning premiers Richmond in round one, Wright’s form dropped away as the Blues struggled to a two-win season.
The popular veteran had still been hopeful of remaining at the Blues in 2019, and his manager Michael Doughty of TLA suggested last month that Wright was “likely” to stay at Ikon Park despite being made to wait for a new deal.
However circumstances changed, with the Blues unwilling to commit to giving Wright a new deal. With the Crows offering Wright greater certainty, he decided to pull the pin and make the move back to his home state.
“The club couldn’t at this point offer him a contract extension,” Doughty told The Age on Tuesday.
“[It] was too good an opportunity to say ‘no’ to back in Adelaide.”
Wright thanked the Blues for giving him the chance to continue his AFL career.
“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.
“I will always be incredibly grateful to Carlton for the opportunity to have continued my AFL career when it looked like it was over – it’s been so enjoyable working with a young and talented group. The club is clearly on the right path under ‘Bolts’ and I wish the group nothing but the best for 2019 and beyond.”
Blues head of football Brad Lloyd said Wright had set a great example for the club’s youngsters during his time at Carlton.
“Matt was a natural and smart footballer, and set very high standards amongst the group in his professionalism and habits – and importantly has been a terrific, quality person who served as a role model for our younger players,” Lloyd said.
“He continually invests in others and has fostered a very strong foundation for his coaching pathway, guiding the likes this year of Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Tom De Koning in our forward line.
“We wish Matt and wife Anna the very best for their future endeavours as they return to their home state of South Australia.”
Meanwhile versatile Melbourne veteran Cameron Pedersen announced via Twitter on Tuesday that his time at the Demons was up after 64 games in six years.
“What a whirlwind the past 6 years have been! Time is up for me at this great club but I’m very proud where the club sits moving forward. A big thank you to all the supporters and the @melbournefc and @caseydemons for all the support over the years,” Pedersen said.
Pedersen, 31, had previously played 16 games for North Melbourne.
Tom Bugg has also parted ways with the Demons.
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