Carlton have swooped on former Collingwood football boss Graham Wright as their next chief executive officer, delivering a stinging blow to their fierce AFL rivals.
The Blues are set to announce via a press conference on Wednesday that Wright will be current Carlton CEO Brian Cook's deputy before taking the reins full-time via a handover plan.
It is a massive coup for Carlton, with Wright, the mastermind behind Collingwood's 2023 premiership, in heavy demand after quitting the Magpies following a leave of absence this year.
Adelaide had also tried to lure Wright to oversee their football program.
Wright, a 1990 premiership player with the Magpies, spent an extended period at Hawthorn under Alastair Clarkson, where he was instrumental in building the list that won four premierships.
He moved across to Collingwood in 2021, and two years later delivered the 2023 premiership, before taking an overseas sabbatical.
The 56-year-old wanted a break following 35 straight years involved in the AFL, first as a player, then in various off-field roles.
He ultimately didn't return this season, when Collingwood didn't make the finals and clearly missed their experienced football boss, with his departure announced in August.
"We have been in constant discussions with Graham during his sabbatical and both of us have agreed that Graham be free to pursue new opportunities to further develop his already distinguished career," Magpies president Jeff Browne said at the time.
But losing someone of Wright's calibre to their fiercest rivals will surely sting the Magpies.
Carlton are attempting to bounce back from their meek elimination-final exit this season, when they were hammered by injuries.