AFL 2024: Collingwood closes in on Graham Wright replacement

Collingwood is stepping closer to naming who will take on duties from footy boss Graham Wright this season as an assistant eyes a step up.

Brendan Bolton (second from left) is set to replace Graham Wright. Picture: Michael Klein

Collingwood is closing in on finding its Graham Wright replacement, with assistant coach Brendon Bolton firming to step in as footy boss during the 2024 season.

Wright announced in December that he would take a sabbatical from March to September this year, with the experienced head of football to travel overseas.

It is understood that while Collingwood is yet to make a formal announcement Bolton is in line to take on the majority of Wright’s duties.

Bolton had held a senior role in Craig McRae’s team as director of coaching.

He was also the defensive coach in 2023 before handing that job on to Jordan Roughead this year.

Midfield coach Hayden Skipworth was announced before pre-season started as stepping into the role of senior assistant, while covering the midfield with Scott Selwood.

A widely respected assistant coach, Bolton was senior coach at Carlton from 2016 until he was sacked in mid-2019.

Brendon Bolton (second from left) has a laugh with the Pies coaches. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

He had previously coached Hawthorn for 10 games in 2014 while Alastair Clarkson was on medical leave.

Wright, who previously led Hawthorn’s footy department, has remained the head of the Pies football department since Christmas and has been seen at training.

“We are in a really good position, we have got great leaders and great people in positions around the club and we feel like the club is in a really stable position,” Wright said in December.