Former Keilor star Sarah Wright has called it a day on her AFLW career.
Wright played 61 games at North Melbourne since arriving at the club with pick 32 in the 2019 AFLW Draft, drafted from Keilor where she had won two league best and fairests.
She quickly forged a reputation as one of the league’s most consistently reliable and underrated medium defenders.
Known for her powerful one-on-one defending and strong intercept marking, Wright was regularly tasked with curtailing the opposition’s most dangerous mid-sized forwards.
Her best season came in North Melbourne’s undefeated 2024 premiership winning campaign, where the defender finished third in the club champion award, behind star duo Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner.
The decision to retire comes after she stepped away from playing this season as she focused on her mental health.
A lifelong North Melbourne fan, Wright grew up in suburban Keilor with her three sisters including her identical twin, Gemma, who she shared the field with at Carlton during the 2019 VFLW season.
The pair were part of several Big V championships with the Hume City Broncos before turning to football.
Wright paid tribute to her support network.
“North Melbourne has always felt like home to me,” she said.
“I don’t think I said a word in my first year but I quickly found my feet here and the environment allowed me to grow so much as a person. There is so much I’ll miss, but most of all I’ll miss the backline group. It’s been such a ride, and being part of last year’s premiership will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I want to say a huge thank you to (club president) Sonja (Hood), (CEO) Jen (Watt) and the wider club for their support on my footy journey. And to the AFLW program, the staff, coaches and medical team, in particular Rhys Harwood who has been my biggest and closest supporter over many years in the program – thank you.
“Finally, to my mum, dad and sisters, and to Kate [Newlyn]– I wouldn’t have got to this point in footy and life without your constant support.”
North Melbourne women’s football general manager Erin Lorenzini paid tribute to Wright’s immense contribution.
“Sarah will forever be a North Melbourne premiership player, and her impact on this club has been immeasurable, both on and off the field,” she said.
“She remains such a highly respected person and we owe so much to her dedication and courage. Her decision to play on after contemplating retirement in 2023, and then helping us achieve our first AFLW flag, is something we will forever be grateful for.”
