COLLINGWOOD has secured an off-season boost, with Hawthorn football manager Graham Wright set to join the Magpies.

In a shock move, the Hawks announced on Saturday the long-time football boss was leaving to "explore other opportunities".

FIXTURE BREAKDOWN Double-ups, byes, what your club says

Wright had been an architect of Hawthorn's success under coach Alastair Clarkson since 2007, first as a list and recruiting boss and more recently as the club's football manager.

04:23

The Wash-Up: The Hawk primed for 2021, key duo under the pump

Mitch Cleary and Nat Edwards wrap up Hawthorn's trade period and look ahead to the NAB AFL Draft and season 2021

Published on Nov 29, 2020

But Wright, who played 201 games for Collingwood, including the 1990 premiership win over Essendon, is set to head back to his former club to fulfill the vacant football manager role.

WHO SMASHED IT? Our say on your club's draft performance

He will replace veteran administrator Geoff Walsh, who announced last year he would be retiring from the position.

Geoff Walsh resigned as the Pies' football manager in 2020. Picture: AFL Photos

Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves said in a statement the club was supportive of Wright's decision to move on.

"Graham has given this club incredible service over a number of years and we will be forever grateful for his contribution and commitment to the brown and gold," said Reeves.

HAWKS' FANTASY Prices, locks, bargains, draft sleeper, more

"While it is always disappointing to lose someone of Graham's calibre, we are also supportive of his decision and understand that the time is right for Graham to seek a new challenge."

Wright will finish at the Hawks this week, with football operations manager Rob McCartney to take on the role in the interim as Hawthorn undertakes a process to replace Wright.