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Corey Enright
Corey Enright
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Corey Enright (born 14 September 1981) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He has played the third-most games for Geelong. Enright is currently defence coach at St Kilda, after coaching at Geelong from 2017 to 2020.[1]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Enright grew up in the town of Kimba, South Australia[2] and played for the Kimba District Tigers in the Eastern Eyre Football League. He was recruited from the Port Adelaide Magpies, selected by Geelong with the 47th overall pick in the 1999 National Draft.[3]

Playing career

[edit]

Like many of his teammates, Enright was outstanding in 2007. He was among the Cats best in the Grand Final win over Port Adelaide, gathering 29 possessions.

The 2008 season saw Enright become a household name with his first All-Australian selection. He was again pivotal in the Grand Final, recording 25 disposals in the Cats' 26-point loss to Hawthorn.

In 2009 after another superb season down back, Enright got his second All-Australian team selection, this time starting on the field. Enright was also voted by his peers to be the league's most underrated player, as he had begun to make a name for himself as one of the league's most reliable non-key defenders with his superb overhead skills and cool, calm head.

2010 saw a third successive selection in the All-Australian team in which he followed up with a fourth successive selection in 2011,[2] the last three selections as a starting back pocket.

At Geelong Corey also won his two Club Best and Fairest "Carji Greeves" Medals in the Premiership Years 2009 and 2011.[4]

Enright joins an elite AFL group who have won multiple club best and fairest medals in premiership years. This group includes Leigh Matthews, Kevin Bartlett, Jason Dunstall, Simon Black, Michael Voss and Josh Gibson.

On the night of the 2011 Carji Greeves Medal presentation, coach Chris Scott introduced Corey Enright as "still the most underrated player in the competition".[5]

Enright made Geelong history after overtaking the previous record of 325 games held by Ian Nankervis in round 19, 2016 against the Western Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium. On 3 September 2021, in the Cats' semi-final against Greater Western Sydney, his record was overtaken by Joel Selwood. (Then overtaken again by Tom Hawkins in 2024)

After the conclusion of the 2016 season, Enright announced his retirement from the AFL.[6]

Statistics

[edit]
Legend
  G  
Goals
  K  
Kicks
  D  
Disposals 
  T  
Tackles
  B  
Behinds 
  H  
Handballs 
  M  
Marks
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2001 Geelong 44 17 5 5 116 87 203 56 20 0.3 0.3 6.8 5.1 11.9 3.3 1.2
2002 Geelong 44 16 3 2 180 117 297 54 27 0.2 0.1 11.3 7.3 18.6 3.4 1.7
2003 Geelong 44 22 3 6 240 174 414 117 40 0.1 0.3 10.9 7.9 18.8 5.3 1.8
2004 Geelong 44 9 0 1 67 41 108 27 15 0.0 0.1 7.4 4.6 12.0 3.0 1.7
2005 Geelong 44 15 8 6 168 109 277 79 23 0.5 0.4 11.2 7.3 18.5 5.3 1.5
2006 Geelong 44 22 11 2 327 164 491 139 64 0.5 0.1 14.9 7.5 22.3 6.3 2.9
2007 Geelong 44 24 9 5 323 226 549 139 51 0.4 0.2 13.5 9.4 22.9 5.8 2.1
2008 Geelong 44 25 6 2 299 282 581 133 70 0.2 0.1 12.0 11.3 23.2 5.3 2.8
2009 Geelong 44 25 4 2 343 285 628 142 71 0.2 0.1 13.7 11.4 25.1 5.7 2.8
2010 Geelong 44 24 1 1 360 222 582 136 69 0.0 0.0 15.0 9.3 24.3 5.7 2.9
2011 Geelong 44 23 1 0 330 183 513 144 64 0.0 0.0 14.3 8.0 22.3 6.3 2.8
2012 Geelong 44 22 2 3 283 179 462 126 53 0.1 0.1 12.9 8.1 21.0 5.7 2.4
2013 Geelong 44 22 1 4 324 166 490 152 41 0.0 0.2 14.7 7.5 22.3 6.9 1.9
2014 Geelong 44 22 8 4 255 207 462 114 61 0.4 0.2 11.6 9.4 21.0 5.2 2.8
2015 Geelong 44 21 0 1 301 183 484 148 60 0.0 0.0 14.3 8.7 23.0 7.0 2.9
2016 Geelong 44 23 4 2 322 220 542 130 66 0.2 0.1 14.0 9.6 23.6 5.6 2.9
Career[7] 332 66 46 4238 2845 7003 1836 795 0.2 0.1 12.8 8.6 21.3 5.5 2.4

Coaching career

[edit]

Enright joined Geelong's coaching team for the 2017 season, beginning as a development coach before becoming an assistant coach and helping Geelong reach finals in each year of his tenure. Ahead of the 2022 season, Enright joined St Kilda as an assistant coach.[1]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Corey Enright (born 14 September 1981) is an coach and former professional player, renowned for his tenure as a versatile defender with the in the Australian Football League (AFL). Over 16 seasons from 2001 to 2016, he played 332 senior games, kicking 66 goals, and was instrumental in Geelong's dominant era, securing three premierships in 2007, 2009, and 2011. Enright's exceptional reading of the play and decision-making earned him six All-Australian selections (2008–2011, 2013, 2015) and two Geelong awards in 2009 and 2011. His contributions were recognized with induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Hailing from the small South Australian town of Kimba, Enright was drafted by with the 47th pick in the 1999 National Draft after playing for the Kimba Tigers and in the SANFL. He made his AFL debut in Round 2 of the 2001 season and quickly established himself as a reliable half-back, known for his intercepting ability and composure under pressure, often playing a pivotal role in 's transition from defence to attack. Enright's longevity was remarkable, retiring at age 35 after a final All-Australian honour, having become one of 's most capped players. Transitioning seamlessly to coaching, Enright joined Geelong's staff in 2017 before moving to the at the end of the 2021 season as an assistant coach responsible for the backline. He signed a contract extension with the Saints in 2024 and was promoted to head of game plan and strategy in November 2024, continuing in that role through the 2025 season amid speculation of future head coaching opportunities.

Early life

Upbringing in South Australia

Corey Enright was born on 14 September 1981 in , to parents Garry and Maxine Enright, within a tight-knit farming community on the . The family resided on Enright Street, named after his grandfather, a stonemason who contributed significantly to the town's infrastructure alongside other relatives who were prominent builders. Enright grew up alongside his siblings, brother Mark and sister Marni, in an environment where family support and community ties were central. Kimba, a rural service town with a population of approximately 600, revolves around , particularly and production, which shapes the local economy and lifestyle. The town's remote location, roughly halfway between Perth and on the , limits access to urban amenities such as cinemas or large shopping centers, fostering a strong emphasis on community activities and outdoor pursuits amid its vast, open landscapes. This setting, marked by the iconic Big Galah roadside attraction, instilled in Enright a resilient, grounded perspective from an early age. Enright's father, Garry, a former captain-coach in the local football league, played a key role in nurturing his son's interest in , often sharing stories of his own involvement in games. From childhood, Enright was known for his relentless energy, frequently seen with a football in hand, reflecting the pervasive influence of in the town's social fabric. His earliest encounters with the game occurred through activities at the local Kimba Area and informal events, where football served as a primary outlet for recreation and social bonding in the resource-scarce rural setting.

Junior football development

Enright's junior football journey began in his hometown of , where his rural upbringing instilled a strong sense of determination that fueled his early passion for the game. He joined the Kimba District Tigers in the Eastern Eyre Football League as a junior, quickly emerging as an eye-catching talent despite his initially scrawny physique. By the age of 15, Enright had progressed to senior football with the Kimba District Tigers, completing at that level while still a teenager and demonstrating remarkable maturity on the field. He became a regular representative for the Eastern Eyre colts in zone carnivals, competing under coach Peter Woolford and gaining exposure to higher-level competition that honed his fundamental skills. At 17, Enright was widely regarded as the region's top player, capping his local tenure by winning the 1999 Mail Medal as the in the Eastern Eyre Football League. Zoned to the Magpies due to his origins, Enright transitioned to their SANFL under-19 setup in 1998 and 1999, where he made several appearances and began refining his defensive prowess through more structured environments. Although specific training regimens from this period are not well-documented, his time splitting duties between Kimba and exposed him to varied coaching styles that emphasized decision-making and positional play, laying the groundwork for his future specialization as a defender. Enright also represented broader South Australian youth selections, including teams in interstate-style zone carnivals, further accelerating his development against interstate opposition.

Playing career

Draft selection and debut

Enright was selected by the with the 47th pick in the 1999 AFL National Draft, recruited from the in , where he had impressed in junior and reserves football despite not participating in national championships. Geelong's recruiting boss, Stephen Wells, viewed him as a versatile prospect capable of playing as a defender or forward, noting his suitable size and adaptability, though initial expectations were modest for the 18-year-old from the small country town of Kimba. This selection originated from a trade pick acquired by Geelong from in exchange for captain Leigh Colbert. Upon arriving at in late 1999, Enright faced significant adjustment challenges, including severe homesickness that prompted his parents to visit the club and meet with coach Mark Thompson to discuss his potential departure. Supported by the club's player welfare officer , who integrated him through non-football activities, Enright spent the 2000 pre-season training with the senior list but primarily developed with 's VFL affiliate team, playing a full season there to build physicality and game sense amid initial injuries and form struggles. By the end of 2000, he had adapted better, earning recognition as one of the club's better first-year players in development. Enright made his AFL debut in round 2 of the 2001 season against St Kilda at Colonial Stadium (now Etihad Stadium), where secured a 29-point victory with a final score of 17.13 (115) to 13.8 (86). In the match, the 19-year-old recorded 5 kicks, 4 handballs for 9 disposals, 1 mark, and 2 tackles, contributing solidly in defense during his first senior appearance. He went on to play 17 games that season, establishing himself as a reliable back-pocket option. Despite his breakthrough in , Enright encountered ongoing challenges in securing a consistent senior role during , managing only 16 AFL games while spending time in the VFL to refine his versatility and defensive positioning. These early years highlighted his resilience, as he navigated the transition from country football to the professional level, gradually earning more opportunities through persistent development.

Tenure with Geelong Cats

Enright evolved into one of 's premier half-back flankers during the mid-2000s, renowned for his run-and-carry ability, intercept marking, and precise kicking that facilitated swift transitions from defense to attack, while also providing on opposition small forwards. His role became integral to the Cats' defensive structure, often sweeping across half-back to read the play and initiate counter-attacks, a style that defined Geelong's high-, possession-based game plan under coach Mark Thompson. Enright played a pivotal role in Geelong's 2007 premiership, the club's first flag in 44 years, appearing in all finals matches including the qualifying final against where he recorded 18 disposals and five marks to help secure a 106-point victory. In the Grand Final against , he gathered 29 disposals, including 14 kicks and four marks, standing among the Cats' best performers in their record 119-point triumph. His composure under pressure exemplified the defensive resilience that underpinned Geelong's dominant season. The 2009 premiership campaign showcased Enright's consistency, as he featured in 25 games without major interruption, contributing 22 disposals and three marks in the Grand Final win over St Kilda by 12 points. That year, his defensive reads and rebounding were crucial to maintaining Geelong's ladder-topping form, earning him a shared Carji Greeves Medal with Gary Ablett Jr. on 740 votes from coaches' assessments across all matches. Enright's leadership grew prominent by 2011, when he joined the club's leadership group alongside , , James Kelly, and Harry Taylor, guiding younger players through a season of high expectations. He captained the backline effectively in the premiership decider against Collingwood, amassing 25 disposals with six marks to anchor the defense in a 38-point victory, while his outright Carji Greeves Medal win with 150 votes—seven ahead of —highlighted his season-long impact of 23 games and elite defensive metrics. Individually, Enright's prime years yielded four consecutive All-Australian selections from 2008 to 2011, recognizing his status as one of the competition's top interceptors and rebounders, with selections in the back pocket or half-back positions, followed by additional selections in 2013 and 2016. Following the 2009 flag, Enright faced setbacks including a medial strain in the 2013 qualifying final loss to , which sidelined him for the preliminary final despite intensive rehabilitation efforts for a potential return. He staged a strong comeback in subsequent seasons, resuming his half-back role and contributing to Geelong's finals appearances, demonstrating resilience that extended his career into his mid-30s.

Retirement from playing

In the 2016 season, Enright played 23 games for , earning his sixth All-Australian selection and contributing significantly to the team's run to the preliminary final. His performance included breaking the club's games record with his 326th appearance in round 19 against the , surpassing Ian Nankervis' long-standing mark of 325 games. The season culminated in a 37-point preliminary final loss to on September 24, where Enright, visibly emotional and in tears as he left the field, played what would become his farewell match. Enright officially announced his retirement on October 4, 2016, at age 35, after 332 games and 17 seasons with the Cats, citing the physical demands of the game after such a long career and a desire to spend more time with his family. He reflected on the privilege of representing and the support from his family as pivotal in his decision, noting that the emotional weight of the preliminary final had signaled it was time to step away. Tributes poured in from teammates, club officials, and fans upon the announcement, celebrating Enright's understated leadership and defensive prowess. Geelong coach Chris Scott lauded him as irreplaceable, emphasizing his influence on younger players and his role in three premierships that left Enright with a sense of a fulfilled career. Enright himself delivered a heartfelt speech thanking the club, staff, and supporters, while fans affectionately referenced his childhood "Boris"—earned due to his hyperactive nature reminiscent of tennis star —and hailed him as one of the Cats' greatest-ever defenders. At the time of his , Enright stood at 187 tall and weighed 90 kg, having kicked 66 goals across his career.

Career statistics

AFL playing statistics

Corey Enright played 332 games for the Geelong Cats in the Australian Football League (AFL) from 2001 to 2016, scoring 66 goals and 46 behinds. His career averages included 21.3 disposals, 5.5 marks, and 2.4 tackles per game, reflecting his consistent performance as a half-back flanker. These figures underscore his reliability in defense, where his low goal tally of 0.2 per game aligned with his primary role restricting opposition forwards. The following table summarizes Enright's season-by-season statistics, focusing on key metrics such as , goals, disposals, marks, and tackles.
YearGamesGoalsDisposalsMarksTackles
20011752035620
20021632975427
200322341411740
2004901082715
20051582777923
2006221149113964
200724954913951
200825658113370
200925462814271
201024158213669
201123151314464
201222246212653
201322149015241
201422846211461
201521048414860
201623454213066
Career Total3326670831836795
Enright's 332 games held the Geelong club record for most appearances until teammate surpassed it during the 2021 season, ultimately retiring with 355 games in 2022.

Representative and state honors

Enright's representative career highlighted his status as one of the AFL's premier defenders, earning him six All-Australian selections across his tenure with . His first selection came in 2008, where he was named on the half-back flank, recognizing his rebounding ability and composure under pressure during a season that saw reach the Grand Final. This was followed by consecutive inclusions in 2009 and 2010, again as a half-back, amid the Cats' dominant premiership eras, where his intercept possessions and precise kicking were pivotal in transitioning play from defense to attack. He continued his elite form with selections in 2011 and 2013, maintaining his half-back role and demonstrating remarkable consistency in an aging backline. In 2011, Enright's performance in the premiership year underscored his tactical acumen, limiting opposition forwards effectively while contributing to 's flag success. By 2013, despite the team's challenges, his selection affirmed his individual excellence, averaging strong disposal numbers and ranking among the league's top defenders for intercepts. His final All-Australian honor arrived in 2016, his last season, where he was positioned in the back pocket at age 35, capping a career defined by durability and defensive nous. These accolades, spanning nearly a decade, positioned Enright as 's most decorated All-Australian player alongside teammates like and . Beyond the All-Australian teams, Enright represented the AFL in the 2008 Hall of Fame Tribute Match, playing for the Interstate Dream Team against a Victorian All-Stars side at the . Selected for his emerging reputation as a versatile defender, he contributed to the Dream Team's lineup in the celebrating 150 years of Australian football, showcasing his skills on a national stage alongside interstate stars. This appearance served as an early nod to his growing influence, building on his club performances to earn broader representative recognition.

Coaching career

Assistant roles at Geelong

Following his retirement from playing at the end of the , Corey Enright joined the as a development and transition coach for the 2017 season, focusing on supporting younger players in skill enhancement and their integration into the senior team. In this role, he drew on his 332 games of experience, including three premierships, to mentor emerging talent and contribute to the club's overall player pathway. Enright transitioned to a full assistant coach position in 2018, where he took on broader responsibilities in player development and tactical preparation, helping guide to finals appearances in each of his subsequent seasons with the club through 2021. By 2021, he had assumed specific duties as the forwards coach, emphasizing offensive strategies, goal-kicking efficiency, and the integration of key attacking players such as and Gryan Rohan into the team's game plan. His work in this area included refining forward line structures to maximize scoring opportunities, as evidenced by his comments on the "arsenal of attacking weapons" available to the Cats ahead of the 2021 season. During the 2020 season, amid the challenges of the shortened campaign, Enright played a pivotal role in the coaching staff's preparation for Geelong's finals push, where the team finished seventh and advanced to the qualifying final before being eliminated by . He contributed to game plan adjustments focused on defensive transitions and forward pressure, leveraging his background as a premiership defender to instill resilience in the backline and support hybrid players like in versatile roles. Enright's tenure as assistant coach ended in September 2021, after five years, during which he helped maintain Geelong's competitive edge in multiple finals series.

Assistant coaching at St Kilda

Corey Enright joined St Kilda as an assistant coach in 2022, taking on the role of defensive coach following his departure from . His appointment brought extensive playing experience from three premierships and a focus on building a robust backline structure, drawing briefly from his prior coaching at where he honed defensive tactics. Under head coach , who returned to the club ahead of the 2023 season, Enright's defensive strategies emphasized organization, pressure, and intercepting opposition entries, contributing to marked improvements in the Saints' backline performance. In 2023, St Kilda established itself as the AFL's top-ranked defense, conceding an average of 71.6 points per game while limiting opponents to scores below 90 points in the majority of matches. This stingy approach was characterized by high rebound efficiency and low concession rates from turnovers, helping the team secure a finals berth for the first time since 2011. The following year, in 2024, the defense maintained competitiveness, ranking among the league's elite units early in the season before injuries impacted consistency, though the overall structure remained a cornerstone of the club's game plan. Enright's influence extended beyond pure defense, as he was promoted to head of game plan and strategy during the 2024 off-season, overseeing broader tactical integration including transition play from the back half. This elevation underscored his growing role in Lyon's coaching staff, with contract extensions through 2026 reflecting the club's confidence in his contributions to defensive resilience and overall team development. By June 2025, media reports highlighted Enright as the unofficial frontrunner in St Kilda's to replace , with club sources indicating discussions around a potential handover to ensure continuity in the defensive philosophy he had helped instill. praised Enright's preparation and impact but deferred final decisions to club , noting such matters were "above my pay station." Later that year, in August 2025, Enright withdrew his name from contention for Melbourne's senior coaching position, reaffirming his commitment to St Kilda amid ongoing speculation about his future prospects.

Personal life and legacy

Family and philanthropy

Corey Enright married his wife, Renee, in a seaside ceremony in Port Douglas in 2011, followed by a honeymoon in nearby Palm Cove. The couple welcomed their first child, son Boh Finley, on October 28, 2012. Their second son, Tex Marley, was born on March 18, 2016, weighing 3.7 kg. In September 2018, the Enrights announced their third child via a gender reveal video showing pink confetti, confirming it would be a daughter; she was born as Luna Clementine in early 2019. The family resided in , where their home at 20 Inshore Drive was targeted in a break-in on November 30, 2015, while Enright, Renee, and Boh slept; two teenagers were charged with and vehicle theft after stealing the couple's cars for a joyride. The property sold in April 2017 for $760,000 to local buyers, marking the end of their time in that residence. Enright's retirement from playing in 2016 was partly influenced by a desire to prioritize family time amid growing responsibilities as a father. In philanthropy, Enright and his family became ambassadors for Camp Quality in 2015, supporting programs to enrich the lives of children with cancer through events like the , where they actively participated to raise awareness and funds. He further contributed by donating $10,000 to Camp Quality via the AFL Players' Care program in 2016. Enright has also engaged in community events in his hometown of , including speaking to local football and groups about personal strategies and resilience to inspire youth and families.

Business activities and Hall of Fame recognition

Following his from playing, Corey Enright transitioned into business ownership, focusing on the sector in . He served as a joint owner of Geelong on Yarra, which operated the Geelong Hotel, and MD Hotel Group, which managed The Inn Hotel. These ventures faced severe financial difficulties exacerbated by reduced patronage and rising costs after the . By June 2025, MD Hotel Group entered voluntary administration, owing approximately $5.6 million to creditors, including $3.5 million to Judo Bank, $350,000 to the Australian Taxation Office, and $145,000 in unpaid wages to staff. The Geelong Hotel was evicted in April 2025 over a $300,000 rent dispute and maintenance breaches, ceasing operations shortly thereafter, while The Inn Hotel shut down following a Supreme Court of Victoria order. In August 2025, the Geelong Hotel was listed for sale or lease by its long-term owners, the Burnett family, with an expected freehold price of around $6 million. Staff at both venues were instructed via employment contracts not to speak to the media about the closures, though one employee described the clause as unenforceable; many workers remain owed thousands in wages, with payments pending resolution of the administrations. Enright received family support during these challenges. Enright's contributions to Australian football were formally recognized with his induction into the Australian Football League (AFL) Hall of Fame on June 27, 2023, during a ceremony that celebrated his role as a cornerstone of Geelong's golden era. The event highlighted his 332 games, three premierships (2007, 2009, 2011), and six All-Australian selections, with inductees including teammates James Bartel and Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell. In his speech, Enright expressed gratitude to Geelong and coach Chris Scott, crediting Scott's leadership in fostering team unity that culminated in the 2011 flag. Tributes at the induction emphasized Enright's leadership qualities, particularly his reliability, game-reading ability, and interpersonal acumen. Former coach Mark Thompson lauded him as someone who intuitively knew when to support or challenge, stating, "He understood me and what made me tick, firstly as a person." Enright himself underscored mutual care within the team, noting, "When you care for someone… you don’t want to let them down," which reinforced his reputation as a quiet but influential leader. Post-retirement, Enright's longstanding nickname "Boris"—earned in childhood for his energetic play around the family home—has endured in media portrayals, endearing him to fans and shaping his approachable public persona in coverage of his career milestones and personal endeavors. In , he returned to his South Australian roots by playing a match for the Kimba Football Club, his junior team, at the newly named Corey Enright Oval, where he joined teammates in singing the club song afterward, symbolizing his lasting ties to country football.

References

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