Maribyrnong College student Peter Wright knows all about being in high demand.
The 17-year-old recently returned from a two-week European tour with the Australian Institute of Sport academy squad.
Within weeks of returning home, he was boarding another plane for a trip to Perth with Vic Metro in the national carnival.
Add to that his TAC Cup commitments with the Calder Cannons, all while completing year 12, and it’s clear Wright has his juggling act down pat. But life in the fast lane shows no signs of slowing down for the young gun.
With the top potential AFL draftees yet to establish a clear pecking order, Wright’s name is a constant among the country’s draft experts.
While some pundits are even suggesting a number one selection could be coming his way, Wright is intent on keeping his focus on the things he can control.
“You can’t really read too much into what people are predicting,” Wright says.
“There are such contrasting points of view between different people. You can be talked about as going anywhere.
“At the end of the day, if you’re going out and enjoying your footy, then the rest of it will take care of itself.”
At 203 centimetres, and with the ability to play forward and in the ruck, it’s easy to see why Wright has the attention of recruiters.
He has already snared two bags of five or more goals this TAC Cup season.
Through his time with the AIS, he has also been given the chance to learn from some of the game’s greats. Wright said training sessions and mentoring from former Geelong premiership ruckman Brad Ottens had played a major role in his development.
“Ruck work is probably something I need to work on the most,’’ Wright said. ‘‘I see him around a lot … he has been really good to me.”
With the national carnival in full swing, hype surrounding Wright is set to increase in the lead-up to November’s draft.
If the feedback from his TAC Cup coach Andrew Jago is anything to go by, one AFL club is going to be very lucky.
“Pete has had patches where he has had Jonathan Brown performances up forward. There have also been patches where he has had Dean Cox impact in the ruck,” Jago said.
“He is a genuine combination.’’
