Sam Wright will depart North Melbourne after accepting the AFLW senior coach role at Collingwood.

Wright returned to Arden Street as an assistant coach prior to AFLW season 7 in late 2022 and has worked with the side’s forward group for the past two seasons.

The former Kangaroo played 136 games and kicked 58 goals across 10 seasons. He called time on his career at the conclusion of the 2019 season.

Post his playing career, Wright spent three years in dancer welfare and development at the Australian Ballet and has more recently worked at Cricket Victoria as player development manager in addition to his assistant coaching role with the club. 

"Everyone at North Melbourne is thrilled to see Sam get this opportunity with Collingwood," North Melbourne’s head of women’s football Nathan Hrovat said.

"Sam’s fantastic football brain teamed with his experience in athlete wellbeing has seen him get the best out of our players. His calm and methodical approach to coaching has been a great asset to our program over the past two seasons.

"Sam has had a clear ambition to one day become a senior coach and we wish him well as he takes a well-deserved step forward in his coaching career."