YOUNG Saint Nathan Wright is very determined going into the 2014 season after injuries and loss of form halted his progress last year.

Wright debuted in round 3 against Greater Western Sydney in 2013 and got plenty of the ball grabbing 22 disposals. He went on to play good footy for the next three games before a broken jaw against Carlton in round 7 sidelined him.

“Prior to the jaw, I felt good,” he said.

“When I came back a few weeks after the injury, footy was a bit different for me.

“I came back and played two games against Richmond and Fremantle and in the Fremantle game I didn’t have the best luck and the best game so I got dropped the next week and I just spent the rest of the year developing in Sandy.”

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While the 19-year-old was disappointed not to have another showing in the seniors, Wright was finding his confidence again playing out the season with VFL affiliate Sandringham.

“I had a bit more freedom at Sandy so I was able to play more midfield and more wing roles down there as opposed to playing half back at St Kilda,” he said.

“I do enjoy the backline and having that role at St Kilda but I do also enjoy using my legs a bit more in the midfield or on the wing.”

Wright then suffered another setback with sore shins early in the 2014 pre-season resulting in an operation that forced him to miss the trip to Colorado so he could work on his rehab.

“I was upset that I couldn’t go, it obviously would have been good to get away with the boys and spend some time with Richo (new coach Alan Richardson) who had just started at the club,” he said.

Instead of going through the motions, Wright was determined to train even harder and get something out of the missedopportunity.

“We all worked so hard during that period and when the main group got back it was good to have the same fitness level as them,” he said.

“Richo has been really good and we have been able to have a few chats together about what he wants from me and how I’m going.

“My biggest priority for me right now is my kicking and I’ve also been working on my strength as I was a bit light on last year.”

With versatility being such a critical part in today’s game, Wright’s ability to lock down small forwards and use his speed in the midfield will be two positives for him and the Saints going into the 2014 season.

While there are plenty of spots vacant in St Kilda’s  best 22, there are also many youngsters like Wright hoping to make an impact for the team.

“It’s pretty competitive now for spots but that is also a good thing because we are all getting the best out of ourselves and working each other,” he said.

“It’s going to be a tough season but anyone can get selected so we will just see what happens.”

Wright shares a similar playing style with Jarryn Geary, with both tending to explode out of the back flank.

“I look up to him a lot, he is a courageous player and a team orientated player. He is great to learn off.”

Wright is now injury free and looking forward to a big 2014.

“My first goal was to get back into full training and I’ve done that,” he said.

“I’ve got to keep training and keep the body well and hopefully can play a few NAB challenge games and see how I go from there.”