Collingwood are understood to have poached Hawthorn chief of football Graham Wright ahead of the 2021 season, with the highly-rated football boss set to succeed the departed Geoff Walsh.

Walsh left Collingwood in November last year, with Wright joining the Holden Centre shortly after announcing his resignation with Hawthorn on Saturday.

Wright first joined the Hawks in 2007 and is understood to be a key figure in the club's success over the past 13 years, where Hawthorn won four premierships under coach Alastair Clarkson.

The signing is a much needed boost for the Magpies, who endured a tumultuous trade period prior to Walsh's departure, with President Eddie McGuire also announcing his decision to step down from the club at the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Following the shock departures of Adam Treloar, Jaidyn Stephenson, Tom Phillips and Atu Bosenavulagi added to no new additions via the exchange window, there was wide concern surrounding the club.

Now with Wright's inclusion and a plethora of young talent coming through the club via the AFL Draft, the tide is starting to turn for the Magpies.

Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves thanked Wright for his time at the club in a statement posted to the club's website.

โ€œGraham has given this club incredible service and we will be forever grateful for his contribution and commitment to the brown and gold,โ€ Reeves said.
โ€œWhile it is always disappointing to lose someone of Grahamโ€™s calibre, we are also supportive of his decision and understand that the time is right for Graham to seek a new challenge.
โ€œOn behalf of everyone at Hawthorn I would like to wish Graham, Tracey, Ethan and James all the best for the next chapter of their lives.โ€