Essendon forward Peter Wright is playing the most important game of his career when the Bombers take on the Saints on Saturday, according to Justin Leppitsch.
Essendon gave up just a future fourth-round pick to secure Wright during last year's trade period in what looked a bargain at the time, but just months later Wright may be playing for his career.
Leppitsch told SEN's Crunch Time that if Wright can bring the intensity and hunger to compete, he may be able to solidify his place in the team.
“Competitiveness is the one thing he has to bring,” Leppitsch said.
“He played a lot of practice matches last year, and he wasn’t very competitive even in that environment there.
“He’s the one, it’s career-defining for him.”
Wright demonstrated plenty of promise during his time at the Gold Coast, after being drafted with Pick 8 in the 2014 draft.
Affectionately dubbed ‘2-metre Peter,’ his potential was never quite realised in the sunshine state, his best return coming in 2017 when he kicked 31 goals.
Wright is the beneficiary of injuries to noted ruckman Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips, who are both unavailable due to injuries.
“I think playing in the ruck is the best thing for him, because it forces you to compete,” Leppitsch said.
“At least this way it he knows I have to just beat this guy."