Former North Melbourne defender Sam Wright is enjoying a new lease on life as The Australian Ballet’s first Welfare and Development Coordinator.

Wright first worked with The Australian Ballet during his playing career, utilising Dr Sue Mayes’ expertise in as he overcame foot injuries.

The treatment was successful, with Wright returning to the AFL field in Round 7, 2018 for the first time in over 700 days.

After he retired in late 2019, Wright undertook a pilot program with The Australian Ballet, and his success in the role has seen him transition to fulltime work with the company.

Dr Sue Mayes says Wright’s added experience has been invaluable.

“Sam is applying his experience of a highly successful AFL welfare program to the ballet world with a goal of improving artistic performance and dancer wellbeing,” Mayes said.

“The dancers appreciate the support and input from an elite athlete who has himself benefited from the AFL's proactive approach of preparing players for a future beyond professional footy.

“The introduction of this position in a professional ballet company is a world first.”