NATHAN Wright announced himself as a player of the future this season, playing eight AFL games – largely as a medium-sized, rebounding defender.

The 19-year-old debuted in St Kilda’s thumping round three victory over GWS and played the next four games before a broken jaw against Carlton put the clamps on his momentum.  

He never quite returned to his early-season form, playing just two senior games after round 10 and spending the majority of the latter stages of the season playing an important role in the VFL before injury brought an early end to his season.

Nevertheless, Wright’s strength in the clinches, penetrating right boot and ability to break the lines all bode well for 2014 and beyond as the teenager looks to establish himself in the red, white and black.

Development coach Tony Micale:
“Nathan began the year really well. He broke his jaw against Carlton which set him back. He was progressing well and able to execute some good lockdown roles. For example, he played on Eddie Betts and had played on Jetta from Essendon and Krakour from Collingwood before then.”

Saints in review today: James Gwilt, Jackson Ferguson, Nathan Wright
Saints in review Monday: Beau Maister, Josh Saunders, Sam Dunell

You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32