Collingwood football boss Graham Wright will take a six-month sabbatical from March next year, returning to his duties next September following time overseas.
The club confirmed the decision on Friday, with Wright's request granted following ongoing discussions with president Jeff Browne, coach Craig McRae and CEO Craig Kelly.
Kelly is set to support key leaders in helping run the Magpies' football department during Wright's spell of extended leave.
“I have been in discussions with our President Jeff Browne, CEO Craig Kelly and our Senior Coach Craig McRae about the possibility of taking an extended break and I appreciate the support from them to be able to do so,” Wright said in a club statement.
“Having extended leave and spending some time travelling overseas during our winter has been on the cards for me for a few years and now is the right time for my wife and I to do that.
“It has been a great few seasons at Collingwood so far and to reach the ultimate success with our men's program this year is a real credit to everyone involved at our Club.
“Through my discussions with Jeff, Ned and Fly, we agreed that I will stay connected to the Club in a consultancy role providing advice to the CEO and wider club during my time away with a plan to return to full-time work in September.
“Our football department is well-placed into next year with key leaders steering our AFL and AFLW programs.”
Collingwood is set to provide an update on roles within their football department in the new year.
Wright has over 30 years of experience as both a player and administrator, having started his career with Collingwood as a player in 1988 and going on to play 201 games and becoming a premiership player in the black and white.
He held roles with Brisbane and Hawthorn before his move to Collingwood in 2021.