IN MANY respects Nathan Wright is too brave for his own good.

Having been selected with pick 24 in the 2012 draft, the defender debuted in early 2013 and looked immediately comfortable before a broken jaw against Carlton sidelined him.

VIDEO: Wright subbed after Betts crunch

A back injury later on in the season was his next concern, followed by a broken leg in round four this year against Adelaide.

VIDEO: Nathan Wright preview before injury

In two campaigns, Wright’s injuries have been almost exclusively been collision-based caused by acts of great courage. It is this relentless attack on the footy that has prompted St Kilda to re-sign the 20-year-old until the end of 2016 as part of Saints Future Fest.

“Nathan is a highly respected young player,” Head of Football Chris Pelchen told SAINTS.com.au.

“He leaves nothing to chance. His commitment to preparation and training is something we are confident will have him become an important player at the Saints for many years to come."

Assistant coach David Teague worked closely with Wright throughout the year, and sees plenty of upside in the Dandenong Stingray product.

“Nathan’s game against Richmond in round 22 showed what he can do,” Teague told SAINTS.com.au.

“He will have some big challenges throughout his career, but he’s already shown he’s up to it.”

While Wright is frustrated having endured two interrupted seasons, he’s not discouraged, and can’t wait to hit the ground running by the time round one arrives in 2015.

“I was hoping for a full year this year, obviously it didn’t work out that way, but I’m already looking forward to starting pre-season,” Wright told SAINTS.com.au.

“It was only my second year so it was a good learning experience and hopefully I can take it all on board and be better for it next season.”
His role as a small defender remains one of the most daunting in football. Standing at 185cm, Wright is often assigned to some of the competition’s best goal sneaks including Eddie Betts and Lewis Jetta.

The responsibility doesn’t deter him, rather it forces him prepare thoroughly for each and every opponent.

“There will be a few challenges ahead playing on some of the best small forwards in the competition,” he admitted.

“But the way I prepare and train will dictate how I go against these players. I’m confident I can play a consistent role in defence for a few years to come.”

RELATED: Five minute lapses costly according to Wright

From a team perspective, Wright is an integral part of the club’s next generation and is enjoying learning his craft alongside a host of similarly promising teammates.

“It’s good to come through with a great group of young blokes and there are some exciting times at the moment,” he said.

“We are all bonding together and driving this club forward… Hopefully by the end of 2016 we are competitive again and pushing for a place in September.”

VIDEO: The Road to 2018

Wright follows Luke Dunstan, Jack Newnes, Josh Saunders and Lewis Pierce as young Saints who have re-signed this week.