Peter Wright’s talent is unquestionable and his appetite for working on his craft has already been lauded by a handful of the Gold Coast SUNS coaching staff. But, the highly touted forward won’t be rushed into senior football.
 
Since being plucked with pick No. 8 in last November’s National Draft, Wright has endured an up-and-down maiden pre-season in Carrara. The Calder Cannons product looked impressive on the track during his first block of training leading into the Christmas break. However, a persistent knee complaint has restricted him since the end of January.
 
In last Friday's NEAFL practice match against Brisbane, Wright pulled on a SUNS guernsey for the first time, playing around 85 per cent of the game to get some much needed game time into his legs.
 
GC SUNS assistant coach, Andy Lovell, stressed the importance of Wright being developed properly and not being thrown into senior football hastily. But given the teenager’s impressive work ethic, Lovell is confident the teenager is on the right path.
 
“We won’t rush him, clearly we won’t rush him. But, he’s heading in the right direction, he just needs to build up that core strength through his legs, hips and glutes just so he can hold his position in marking contests,” Lovell told SUNS TV’s Game Day Coaches Chat.

VIDEO: See what Peter Wright told SUNS TV following his first appearance for the club last Friday night

“But, again he’s shown real improvement in that area and a real want to improve. He won’t be too far away, but again, we won’t rush him.
 
“Look, he’s a really talented player there’s no doubt about that, he’s shown that from the first day he’s walked in the door. But more importantly he’s got a terrific work ethic, his training ethic has been really strong and that’s so important.”
 
Wright’s football nous has stood out for Lovell, with the Victorian’s gifts suggesting he has a bright future in the game.
 
Like all young key position prospects, Wright is still quite raw and will need to build his body up to a level where he can combat the best key defenders in the game.
 
“He still hasn’t got the body strength that key forwards need in the game just yet but he’s working really hard on that,” Lovell said.
 
“It may be a little while before you see him play senior footy, but at the same time he’s been remarkable with his ability to run to good spots, he launches himself at footy’s, he’s got a terrific leg on him so he kicks the ball really well.
 
“So, he’s got all of the ingredients to be a really good strong forward.”