AFL Player 20: Peter Wright

[Lore]

Contract Status: Free Agent (?) 2027
My Boy Draft 2024: Pick 21, TheGrizz

 

[Phat Toni]

Compare the pair:

- Player X crossed to his second club for his 8th AFL season and averaged 11 disposals, 11 hitouts and kicked 23 goals in 16 games for his first year at the club

- 7 Seater Peter crossed to his 2nd club for his 7th AFL season and has averages of 12 disposals, 10 hitouts and kicked 25 goals after 18 games for his first year at the Dons

So who is player X?

 

[Duckworth]

Compare the pair:

- Player X crossed to his second club for his 8th AFL season and averaged 11 disposals, 11 hitouts and kicked 23 goals in 16 games for his first year at the club

- 7 Seater Peter crossed to his 2nd club for his 7th AFL season and has averages of 12 disposals, 10 hitouts and kicked 25 goals after 18 games for his first year at the Dons

So who is player X?

X is dead to me. It's the symbol I see in each of his eyes.

 

[eth-dog]

Compare the pair:

- Player X crossed to his second club for his 8th AFL season and averaged 11 disposals, 11 hitouts and kicked 23 goals in 16 games for his first year at the club

- 7 Seater Peter crossed to his 2nd club for his 7th AFL season and has averages of 12 disposals, 10 hitouts and kicked 25 goals after 18 games for his first year at the Dons

So who is player X?

Brad Ottens?

 

[Phat Toni]

Brad Ottens?

thats the man, had a pretty good career at the Cats in the end..... 7 Seater Peter is the omen we've been looking for

 

[eth-dog]

thats the man, had a pretty good career at the Cats in the end..... 7 Seater Peter is the omen we've been looking for

Honestly, Peter won't be the ruck Ottens was IMO. But a nice stat none the less

 

[BrunoV]

I'm still trying to work out where to set expectations.

Like most players who find themselves out of a team for a significant period of time Wright's career becomes defined by what he doesn't/can't do more than by what he can do.

Going in to the season, a goal a game with 2 or 3 contested marks, low teens possessions and 10 hit outs was what his career suggested he would do and was a pretty clear pass mark given what we needed. He's on track and will exceed but I still can't help myself being drawn to what he's not doing as much as the good he does...it's the eternal optimist in me...

Someone mentioned (sorry can't remember who it was), in response to my comparison with Stewart, that Wright's contested marking problem was different because his issue is body strength whereas Stewart's problem was his hands (usually too hard). It's a good point and body strength is clearly a bit of an issue which is also something McKay and Daniher struggle with and it should not prevent Wright from being on the cusp of the A-grade (I don't think he has the ability of McKay, Daniher or the Kings).

Wright's always going to be vulnerable in this regard, particularly as the ball comes in too high and he has to work back, but I think he's still dropping quite a few he launches at and just doesn't hold. There might have been 4 or 5 against the Dogs which he got hands to and which he's wasn't worked out of by an opponent. It's hard to say why, he may have run under a couple or the kicks may have been poor - it's probably a combination of both.

What I can lose sight of is that different players do it in different ways. Hooker is pure animal, stand and deliver strength. But he's actually a pretty rare beast in that regard. Tom Hawkins

26

Tom Hawkins

Age

37

Ht

197cm

Wt

105kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.2

3star

K

7.9

3star

HB

4.4

3star

M

5.5

5star

T

1.9

4star

G

2.1

5star

D

12.7

3star

K

8.6

3star

HB

4.1

3star

M

5.1

5star

T

2.1

3star

G

1.6

5star

D

7.8

2star

K

5.6

3star

HB

2.2

2star

M

4.2

4star

T

1.0

3star

G

2.2

5star

and Dixon are probably the only other players who can do it consistently and, even then, Hawkins does a lot of good work leading up and back. Some of the smaller guys are great contested marks but rely on a midfield levels of athleticism and do their best work on the move (e.g. Darling, Georgiades, De Goey and even Tom McDonald

25

Tom Mcdonald

Age

33

Ht

195cm

Wt

101kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.4

4star

K

9.7

4star

HB

6.7

4star

M

5.6

5star

T

1.9

4star

MG

261.8

4star

D

8.0

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

3.0

2star

M

3.4

3star

T

0.6

1star

MG

135.6

2star

D

13.8

4star

K

6.8

3star

HB

7.0

5star

M

4.4

4star

T

1.4

4star

to name a few). Guys like Lynch, Kennedy and Riewoldt combine size, strength and quality movement (limiting to physical attributes).

Wright is massive with a huge reach. He's 203cm where that height puts him in league with the big-medium rucks (i.e. he is rarely rucking against a ruckman who has a height advantage). When he launches at the ball there are only a few forwards that can match him and even fewer defenders. So while I don't think he's ever going to be a consistent stand and deliver type (in the way Draper is already showing he could be) there are probably just as many contested grabs he can pull down launching at the ball, which Hooker could never get to, as what there are pack marking situations that Hooker can boss (and which Wright can't).

I don't have data to back it up but on a bad week it's 4 or 5 of these marks he's not holding. He can do it, and usually does in the same game, so I still think it's an application problem. If he can convert 2 to 3 of these to marks he'd be playing at a level that only the A graders really play at it. I still probably wouldn't call him an A grader but he'd be more than enough to hold the fort alongside Jones (and hopefully Bryan) such that we can work out next year if we want to throw the kitchen sink at someone like Ben King

34

Ben King

Age

25

Ht

202cm

Wt

98kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

7.2

2star

K

5.0

2star

HB

2.2

2star

M

3.5

4star

T

0.5

3star

G

1.3

5star

D

7.5

2star

K

5.6

2star

HB

1.9

1star

M

3.6

4star

T

0.3

1star

G

1.5

5star

D

6.8

2star

K

4.4

2star

HB

2.4

3star

M

3.2

4star

T

0.2

3star

G

1.0

4star

.

I would love for him to kick another 6 goals to finish off the year and then get set to be the man in 2022.

 

[Phat Toni]

Honestly, Peter won't be the ruck Ottens was IMO. But a nice stat none the less

no he wont and neither will he need to be with Draper playing 80% of the time as the primary ruck man. If Peter plays another 7 years and ends his Dons career with averages of 12 and 10 and around 30-35 goals a year he's had a great career and thats been a win IMO.

 

[eth-dog]

A perfect 10 for 2MP

 

[faible]

I'm still trying to work out where to set expectations.

Like most players who find themselves out of a team for a significant period of time Wright's career becomes defined by what he doesn't/can't do more than by what he can do.

Going in to the season, a goal a game with 2 or 3 contested marks, low teens possessions and 10 hit outs was what his career suggested he would do and was a pretty clear pass mark given what we needed. He's on track and will exceed but I still can't help myself being drawn to what he's not doing as much as the good he does...it's the eternal optimist in me...

Someone mentioned (sorry can't remember who it was), in response to my comparison with Stewart, that Wright's contested marking problem was different because his issue is body strength whereas Stewart's problem was his hands (usually too hard). It's a good point and body strength is clearly a bit of an issue which is also something McKay and Daniher struggle with and it should not prevent Wright from being on the cusp of the A-grade (I don't think he has the ability of McKay, Daniher or the Kings).

Wright's always going to be vulnerable in this regard, particularly as the ball comes in too high and he has to work back, but I think he's still dropping quite a few he launches at and just doesn't hold. There might have been 4 or 5 against the Dogs which he got hands to and which he's wasn't worked out of by an opponent. It's hard to say why, he may have run under a couple or the kicks may have been poor - it's probably a combination of both.

What I can lose sight of is that different players do it in different ways. Hooker is pure animal, stand and deliver strength. But he's actually a pretty rare beast in that regard. Tom Hawkins and Dixon are probably the only other players who can do it consistently and, even then, Hawkins does a lot of good work leading up and back. Some of the smaller guys are great contested marks but rely on a midfield levels of athleticism and do their best work on the move (e.g. Darling, Georgiades, De Goey and even Tom McDonald to name a few). Guys like Lynch, Kennedy and Riewoldt combine size, strength and quality movement (limiting to physical attributes).

Wright is massive with a huge reach. He's 203cm where that height puts him in league with the big-medium rucks (i.e. he is rarely rucking against a ruckman who has a height advantage). When he launches at the ball there are only a few forwards that can match him and even fewer defenders. So while I don't think he's ever going to be a consistent stand and deliver type (in the way Draper is already showing he could be) there are probably just as many contested grabs he can pull down launching at the ball, which Hooker could never get to, as what there are pack marking situations that Hooker can boss (and which Wright can't).

I don't have data to back it up but on a bad week it's 4 or 5 of these marks he's not holding. He can do it, and usually does in the same game, so I still think it's an application problem. If he can convert 2 to 3 of these to marks he'd be playing at a level that only the A graders really play at it. I still probably wouldn't call him an A grader but he'd be more than enough to hold the fort alongside Jones (and hopefully Bryan) such that we can work out next year if we want to throw the kitchen sink at someone like Ben King.

I would love for him to kick another 6 goals to finish off the year and then get set to be the man in 2022.

I think it was in the post-game analysis by Brereton, but I recall hearing them say that his go is really playing in that area close to goal where he can run a 10 - 20m lead as players kick at him.

Someone like Hawkins has extremely high footy IQ where he sets the lead and where he wants the ball kicked. Wright is almost the opposite. Play him between 0 and 35m from goal. Put the ball within 10-20m of him and let him run at it. He's got a decent turn of speed, and with his height it's very difficult for a defender to spoil playing from behind.

Working alongside a guy like Jones and/or Francis where they repeat lead and create space, means Wright can play a more traditional FF role.

 

[carloss]

I think it was in the post-game analysis by Brereton, but I recall hearing them say that his go is really playing in that area close to goal where he can run a 10 - 20m lead as players kick at him.

Someone like Hawkins has extremely high footy IQ where he sets the lead and where he wants the ball kicked. Wright is almost the opposite. Play him between 0 and 35m from goal. Put the ball within 10-20m of him and let him run at it. He's got a decent turn of speed, and with his height it's very difficult for a defender to spoil playing from behind.

Working alongside a guy like Jones and/or Francis where they repeat lead and create space, means Wright can play a more traditional FF role.

But he can kick them outside 50

 

[faible]

But he can kick them outside 50

35m from goal + 20m lead = 55m set shot

 

[BrunoV]

I think it was in the post-game analysis by Brereton, but I recall hearing them say that his go is really playing in that area close to goal where he can run a 10 - 20m lead as players kick at him.

Someone like Hawkins has extremely high footy IQ where he sets the lead and where he wants the ball kicked. Wright is almost the opposite. Play him between 0 and 35m from goal. Put the ball within 10-20m of him and let him run at it. He's got a decent turn of speed, and with his height it's very difficult for a defender to spoil playing from behind.

Working alongside a guy like Jones and/or Francis where they repeat lead and create space, means Wright can play a more traditional FF role.

All good point.

I was actually thinking more about on the wings. For whatever reason he doesn't seem to miss a stack in front of goal.

He could have pulled down 2 or 3 more marks against the Dogs with just a little more application. It's pads out his stats but also helps up retain field position and control the tempo of the match.

 

[faible]

All good point.

I was actually thinking more about on the wings. For whatever reason he doesn't seem to miss a stack in front of goal.

He could have pulled down 2 or 3 more marks against the Dogs with just a little more application. It's pads out his stats but also helps up retain field position and control the tempo of the match.

Having Jones back will help that a lot I'd say.

For example;

Hooker - Wright - Jones

vs

Wright - Francis - Jones

The latter is significantly more mobile up the ground, and likely works more cohesively.

Wright does need to move up the ground at times when we're getting hemmed in, undoubtedly, but on a normal i50 entry his best location is closer to goal and a short lead as opposed to long, repeat leads like Jones does - where Jones has shown good IQ for where and when to lead.

 

[fairbump_playon]

Reminds me of the Best of Roxy Music CD I got from JB Hi-Fi back in 2009 for $2.99. Absolute bargain.

I knew Peter Wright reminded me of someone - it's Bryan Ferry

 

[ScrappyCoCo]

The thing I liked is most his shots were from a long way out. Found space out a bit further so it was not as much congested pack stuff which he struggles a bit more with. Then when he kicked...he wasn't over kicking it...wasn't running out to the right and hooking it across his body searching for distance. His kicks were long but seemed effortless. He was reliable (like how Lloyd was) and it hurt the other team. It was a relentless display...did not take his foot off their throat. Kind of a relief in many ways after sitting through the inaccuracy of our recent past not knowing what was going to happen from 20m out. I loved every minute of it.

 

[wichidi]

It's probably already been said. But play out the scenario where you switch Wright with Daniher on the weekend. We would probably be talking about the 0.7 that Daniher kicked. Daniher has more of the X factor for sure, but is so freakin unreliable, I prefer Wright any day of the week.

 

[Thom18]

Is 2MP the best kick in the AFL over 200cm? Really reliable field kicking and a beautiful set shot. Personally can't think of another bloke over 200cm I'd rather kicking the ball.

 

[faible]

Is 2MP the best kick in the AFL over 200cm? Really reliable field kicking and a beautiful set shot. Personally can't think of another bloke over 200cm I'd rather kicking the ball.

Daniher's field kicking is exceptional. His set shots, not so much.

 

[supportyourteam]

If he keeps it up, the new Paul Salmon. Was great to see how he and Stringer were on the same page on Sunday.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

If he keeps it up, the new Paul Salmon. Was great to see how he and Stringer were on the same page on Sunday.

His kicking action is more fluid and less staccatoey than the Big Fish.

 

[supportyourteam]

Probably (W)right. Guess it means less chance of a coach going into jacket wave frenzy mode at the end of a game. Hope he keeps kicking straight, anyway. Was beautiful to watch.

 

[Donakebab]

360 showed that big Pete kicked the three longest goals of the week.

57.6m
60.2m
61.5m

What a beast!

 

[11kgm]

Rather him have 40 shots kick 30 goals 10 then have 70 shots and kick 30 goals 40 like someone else

 

[eth-dog]

Rather him have 40 shots kick 30 goals 10 then have 70 shots and kick 30 goals 40 like someone else

Dani her has 38.27 this year and a career tally of 229.171, compared to Wright's 25.13 and 110.60. Is anyone here capable of getting back to the reality that Daniher is a much better player than him?

 

[boncer34]

Dani her has 38.27 this year and a career tally of 229.171, compared to Wright's 25.13 and 110.60. Is anyone here capable of getting back to the reality that Daniher is a much better player than him?

Or maybe we just don't have to compare them at all either? Just be happy Wright is performing well.

Not directed at you Eth.