James Wright reflects on decorated Macedon career but there’s more to come

After 20 years with Macedon – and 10 as captain – James Wright reaches the 250-game milestone, adding another milestone to an already legendary career.

James Wright in action for Macedon.

Life in the Riddell District looked a bit different in 2005.

Lancefield had just won the premiership, Macedon was two years back from recess, Wallan was in the Diamond Valley league, Riddell would end a 13-year flag drought and a certain Al Meldrum was the reigning Bowen Medallist at Romsey.

And James Wright made his senior debut.

Now 20 years later, “Nipper” is a Macedon legend.

He’ll run out for his 250th senior appearance in Sunday’s semi-final against Diggers Rest at Gilbert Gordon Oval.

Macedon coach Jeff Andrews and captain James Wright hold aloft the premiership cup. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The Cats’ 2017 premiership captain spent a decade leading the club, is a five-time best-and-fairest winner, four-time RDFNL representative, Vic Country representative and multiple Team of the Year star.

Typically humble, Wright was keen to down play the occasion.

“It’s a big game and getting back into finals this year does take, in my opinion, a bit of shine off it – which I’m happy about,” Wright said.

“It’s more about getting the win and hopefully after that we can have a beer and acknowledge it.”

Starting out in the under-9s, Wright progressed through the ranks at Tony Clarke Oval, his second home.

Tough and durable, he’s played at least 14 games in 13 of his 18 complete seasons and kicked averages close to a goal a game.

His father and older brother were Macedon players and dad still “runs the barbecue” on a Saturday.

Why would he go anywhere else?

A young James Wright with the ball for Macedon.

“My dad played way back when and my older brother played for Macedon growing up and I played the odd game with him,” Wright said.

“The whole career (has been at Macedon), from juniors, then – can’t remember when – started playing seniors.

“I grew up in Macedon, it’s my home club, I’ve probably never thought about playing anywhere else.

“I know it can’t be the case for everyone but I’m very lucky to have played at the one club, I haven’t been pushed out the door yet.”

Current Macedon coach Al Meldrum was the man who bestowed the captaincy on Wright in his first stint as coach in 2011.

He estimates more than half his 250 games have been as skipper.

“He’s been so loyal, just a great player, and even this year – he’s our oldest player – and he just answers the call whenever the team needs him,” Meldrum said.

“(On Sunday) he played a really strong game in defence but got forward and kicked a really important goal.

James Wright is a four-time Riddell District representative. Picture: Adam Elwood

“I’d say it’s been a 130 games as captain, which is a pretty amazing achievement and everyone loves him.”

The captaincy has been a privilege.

Leading the club to its first premiership in 41 years in 2017 was the ultimate honour.

Wright has guided the club through good times and bad but mostly good.

Between 2011 and 2019 the club only missed finals once but fell in elimination finals or semi-finals six times.

Finally in 2017 the breakthrough, winning the minor premiership and then a drought-breaking flag with a 13-point triumph over Rupertswood.

“It took a long time to get there but it was very rewarding and a relief when the siren went,” Wright said.

“It had been a long time for the town and club and hopefully it’s not that long until the next one.

“It was a thrill (to lift the cup as captain), just proud of everyone, a release as well by the end to take a breath and soak it all in.

“I took a lot of pride in being captain and was relatively young at that stage.

“Loving the club coming through and trying to have that goal (of a premiership), I knew I was going to stick around until we got that goal.

“During the years there’s been times when other people could have been captain but I suppose consistency helps, good or bad.”

He gave up the leadership mantle in 2022, handing the baton to Zach Smedley, who then passed it to Jason Cooke.

Wright will turn 36 shortly after the season ends.

Macedon announced Wright had re-signed for 2025, he jokingly suggested the club put the social media post up without even asking him – why would they need to.

He’s confident he’s still got a few years left in the body, hopeful of seeing one more premiership.

The Cats’ exciting batch of young guns gives him confident that it could happen.

“It’s exciting, it definitely gives me motivation to continue on,” he said.

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“They’re a great bunch of blokes and they play with enthusiasm and are talented as well, if I can help them get better in any way I get a bit of enjoyment.

“It definitely feels like this generation, the enthusiasm is infectious, and that’s why I play – to have fun – and they drive that.

“I’ve got a daughter who comes and sings the song when we win and if I wasn’t playing I’d still be there watching having a drink and saying how good we used to be.

“I might as well keep playing and keep fit and hopefully try and get a premiership before it’s all over.”