He’s got all the Wright moves

By Jarrod Potter
DANDENONG Stingray Nathan Wright received one of the best early Christmas presents possible when he was given a spot in the AIS-AFL Academy for the coming season.
Wright, 17, from Berwick, was given the opportunity after Western Australian Dale Garlett had to withdraw from the program.
Wright was elated to find out he was part of the AIS-AFL Academy but thought at first it was one of his mates pulling a practical joke on him.
“Shifter (Kevin Sheehan) called three days before Christmas to tell me I was in the squad,” Wright said.
“I couldn’t believe it – I thought one of my mates was pranking me.
“Dayle Garlett had to pull out so I get the chance to be in the academy and it’s awesome.”
Wright has participated in the first AIS-AFL camp last week and before the big trip to Europe in March.
The young midfielder is preparing for a big season with the Dandenong Stingrays now that a few other commitments are off the table – having completed his Year 12 studies last year and finished up his playing duties with the Hallam Sports Academy.
“Just solely focussed on playing Stingrays this season,” Wright said. “There’s no more back and forth playing for different teams, so that will help my footy.
“Hopefully get into the Vic Country team and play a few games there. That would be one of my big goals for this year.”
Dandenong will be well represented at the national level, with now five inductees in the 2012 AIS/AFL Academy.
Returning for his second year in the Academy is Lachie Whitfield (Mornington) he is joined in the tier two program by Jason Pongracic (Kooweerup), who played in the AIS/AFL match in April against Geelong VFL at the MCG.
In the tier one program, Clayton McCartney (Cranbourne) and Billy Hartung (Red Hill) will also get an opportunity to represent Australia abroad.
“I’m pretty stoked about it,” Whitfield said. “Just happy to get over to Europe again with all the boys from last year’s team.
Pretty excited to be part of the whole squad next year, should be a lot of fun with the camps and the overseas trips,” Pongracic said.
The AIS/AFL Academy head to Italy and France in late March.