They came to blows just two weeks ago, but Sam Wright says he still admires Saint Brendon Goddard and one day hopes to play just like him.

''I've tried to base my game around him [Goddard] and what he does. He's very versatile and I've always looked up to him as a player. He's someone Brad Scott's been keen for me to watch and to follow,” Wright told The Age’s Emma Quayle.

Charged with a run-with role on the St Kilda star, Wright had a footy education but managed to come out well on top at the end of the match, with Goddard taking his frustrations out on the young Roo, hitting him behind play.

Goddard was suspended for two weeks for the off the ball, head-high strike, but it was Wright who was criticised when former player Robert Eddy accused him of faking on Twitter.

Eddy, who played just 33 games for the Saints, wrote at the time, "Can't believe some players in the #AFL. Who would fake being hit to get an opponent suspended!!?? Feel sorry for @bjgoddard18 #whatajoke".

Wright says he paid little attention to Eddy.

''I didn't read too much of that, but I certainly don't see myself as somebody who fakes getting hit,'' he said.

''I guess that's the first time I've actually played on someone who plays everywhere in the same game. It was a little bit confusing at times and I needed a lot of help from the other boys, but it was a good experience. I saw what he does and I learnt a lot about the way he gets back to help his defenders out. That's something I'd like to add to my game.''

After stepping on a nail in the backyard while playing cricket in bare feet late last year, Wright learned his most valuable lesson; what it takes to be elite.

''I love my cricket but I haven't played it again since that day and I think I'll be giving it a rest this year, too,'' he said.

''I guess that's just the thing about being a professional athlete. Everything in your life outside footy can impact on your training and your career. That's something Brad Scott's been telling me forever, that you have to live like a professional all the time, not just when you're at the club.

What started as a minor scratch quickly developed into something a lot worse. Red lines appeared up his leg and he could barely pull his shoe on because his foot was so badly swollen. He was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with golden staph infection.

''At the time I didn't think anything of it. I knew when the infection got worse - when I had the lines running up my leg - that it wasn't very good and in the end it got pretty serious. It was something that had happened a thousand times when I was running around as a kid, you get cuts and scrapes all the time when you're young and nothing ever comes of it, but having to stay in hospital got me a little bit worried.''

As a result, the 21-year old had an interrupted pre-season which also included rehabilitation from a shoulder operation. But being professional in his approach allowed him to hit the ground running come the start of the 2012 season.

Wright is a vital player for North with his ability to play well at both ends of the ground. However he says that requires much focus and concentration.

''It's tough,'' he said.

''But if you prepare well and are given the right information, it's a lot easier. So it's hard, but if you can do it (play back or forward), it's something that can help you cement your place in the side.''

It also means lots more meetings; with the forward-line and back-line groups.

''The more you practice it, I guess the better you get. Especially with your mindset and the way you approach it,'' he said.

''I did it a bit last year, but I didn't feel like I had much influence. This year, I think I've had a little bit more of an impact, when I've moved. And playing down back has definitely helped me as a forward. I've got to play against guys that I sort of want to be like.''