Doing all the Wright things: The Dragons' gun gaining major traction

The Sandringham Dragons’ system has always been a football-breeding factory, having produced nineteen listed players into the AFL over the past two years.

Fast forward to now, there looks to be another few drafted out of the bayside area.

In that mix includes Rory Wright. A balanced midfielder that has a piercing left-foot kick.

Rory, after previously being trialed on the outside on the wing, he has started season 2025 in a on-ball role with stints in the forward line.

His start to the Coates Talent League campaign has put recruiters on notice, averaging 23.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 5.3 inside-50’s per game while kicking at least one goal in three of his four matches.

This article will delve deep into the teenager’s last outing in round five. 

Rory Wright player focus

Vs Giants Academy

May 4th

The left-footer was a main stayer in the Sandringham midfield, with his first disposal coming from a free-kick. He followed that up by working into space and marking to get another touch. Rory was often looking to be the first outlet from his team's kick-in, being hit up in the defensive fifty for easy marks and possessions. His inside-outside balance was on full display, finding little handballs in the contest and generating inside-50’s. A lace-out kick from the centre square to Xavier Bamert on the lead for a goal was a highlight of the second quarter. Standing at 184cm, he is good below his knees when there are ground balls to be won but also good above his head. This was demonstrated by two intercepts marks in the term, one being deep inside defensive fifty. Rory spent a long time on the bench after copping a corky in a marking contest, but that didn’t seem to phase him. He continued to rack up the touches and went into the main break with at least fifteen disposals. Rory’s final two quarters were a bit quieter but he never stopped running, and again looked for short marks and kicks in the defensive half. Although the tricky conditions with the wind had some effect on his disposal, with a couple of wayward kicks. The 17-year-old showcased his in-and-under midfield craft in the third term, recording a number of clearances and contested possessions. He was frequently wrapped up by his opposition after collecting the ball but was always able to wrestle and squeeze out a disposal for his team. Having played wing previously in the Dragons’ system his elite aerobic capacity was illustrated after going for a run and a bounce on the far side of the field in the final term. The Giants Academy were on top for the majority of the game which meant the Sandringham players were often phased out in patches. Still, Rory finished with over 25 touches, nine marks and five inside-50’s in a tough loss. There will no doubt be many eyes on him going into the representative part of the year as he looks to continue his good form to rise up the draft ranks.

Photo credit: Nigel Barrie Photography