In the 2014 Elimination Final, North Melbourne was under siege.
Down 33 points mid-way through the third term, the side was facing an embarrassing blow-out loss. With Essendon on the attack once again, Sam Wright took a gamble and pulled off what would become a momentum shifting, intercept mark.
The ball, intended for Jobe Watson, never reached its target as North’s No.19 sprung up between Watson and Brendon Goddard, to steal it. North went on to claim a remarkable come-from-behind win, defeating the Bombers by two goals.
It was just one memorable moment across Wright’s solid 11-year career which began in Round 8, 2009 and will come to a close this weekend, after he announced his retirement.
Wright told teammates ongoing battles with ankle and foot problems had taken a toll on his body, and he felt unable to get back to AFL level.
“I guess the decision’s been coming for a long time,” Wright said.
“After the last surgery (on his ankle) I probably knew that I wasn’t going to go around next year, and the advice I’d be given was that I’d probably need to start focusing on life after footy and living a healthy life.
“Me being the stubborn person I am, I wanted to get out and play one more game, but it’s just become pretty evident in the last month that my body just won’t allow me to do that.
“I can’t train and I can’t play at a high enough level to get back and play AFL.”
After starting his career as a small forward, kicking 58 goals, Wright transformed into dynamic and skilful defender, and was a big-game player who averaged 16 disposals and 5 marks throughout 136 games.
The 29-year-old played in seven finals matches, most notably in 2014 and 2015 where he averaged more than 20 disposals.
On two occasions he achieved a career-high, 32 disposal game; in Round 20, 2012 against Essendon and in Round 4, 2015 against Geelong.
“Pulling on the jumper, whether it be at VFL or AFL level, as long as it’s blue and white, has always been something I’ve been really proud of,” Wright said.
Wright arrived at Arden Street via the 2008 Draft and was selected with North’s second selection at pick 27 – the same draft which netted Jack Ziebell.
“I didn’t think I was going to get drafted, and when I got drafted I didn’t think I was going to play 1 game, so to walk away with 11 years as an AFL player and having played 7 finals is something I’m really, really proud of.”
Assistant coach Darren Crocker paid tribute to Wright.
“You’ve earnt the respect and trust of your teammates, and you’ve endeared yourself to everyone at North Melbourne,” Crocker said
“In recent times it’s been tough for you with your injuries, but the way that you’ve handled that and the way you’ve embraced the younger guys has been a real credit to you.
“You’ve grown as a person and let’s not forget, you’re a bloody good footballer too.
“You always want to play finals … you are always able to lift on those occasions and play your best football when it was most important.
“Once a Shinboner, always a Shinboner.”
Wright will play his final game in the VFL on Saturday, with North taking on Box Hill at Arden Street from 2pm.
