Through a junior career playing for Blackburn in Melbourne, and more recently Labrador and the Lions Reserves in the NEAFL, the man they call ‘Wriggles’ has played above his weight.
His success is a prime example of the long-held Aussie Rules adage that you need only go harder than your opponent to win the ball - size doesn’t matter.
He shuts down forwards with significantly bigger frames week-in week-out; indeed it was his blanketing of Bryce Retzlaff for the Tigers last year which first brought him to the forefront of the Lions recruiters’ minds.
Despite being apparently unhindered on-field by his slender build, the 25-year-old still wants some extra brawn to give him more clout at contests.
“Getting bigger and stronger is a massive focus for me,” explains Wrigley.
“Even though I’ve always competed well with my light bodyweight, having a bit more muscle behind me would help my game.
“I’ve put on six kilograms since I’ve come to the Club; I was 73kgs and I’m now 79. They [coaching staff] want me up over 80; hopefully that’ll come with more time in the gym and more food intake!”
Wrigley knows what’s required to fine-tune the body better than most.
He’s a qualified orthapediatrician courtesy of a degree in prosthetics and orthotics, and his grasp of anatomy and physiology is understandably advanced.
Wrigley says this background of physical study is particularly useful in understanding the rehabilitation side of his strength and conditioning program.
Rehabilitating others has also remained a priority for the defender this year, despite the increased workload that’s come with being on an AFL list.
“I’ve still been doing a day week at the Mater Hospital all year,” says Wrigley.
“I get in there for either five or eight hours, depending on how tired I am and the other commitments that I’ve got.
“I’m still seeing patients and fitting braces (prosthetics) and also visiting GP practices and educating them on the products and the ways which they can be used for treating different conditions.”
Wrigley’s been buoyed by the Lions’ support of his ‘extra-curricular activity’ and says the Club has encouraged him to continue pursuing his parallel career during the season.
“It’s much more productive than sitting around playing Playstation in your downtime, so the Lions are happy for me to do it,” he said.
The 187cm Wrigley reckons he’d still try to fit in “at least a few hours a week” at the Mater if he was playing for the senior side, and although he hasn’t cracked a game in the top flight this year his NEAFL form has been impressive.
Wrigley’s been consistently damaging creating overlap in defence and attack, and his clean hands and efficient disposal have been a huge boon to the ladder-leading Lions.
He was the Lions’ sole Queensland representative in 2012, and Coach Nathan Clarke’s been glowing in his praise of the ex-Tiger all year.
“Wriggles continues to impress me; if it weren’t for him being on the rookie list he’d be right in line for senior selection,” said Clarke after the Lions’ Round 8 match against Sydney.
“The senior side is always looking for players who can run long and hard, and he’s got a history of that.
“Of course he’s got to get into the side, but he’s playing very well for us.”
Wrigley knows it would take a long-term injury to a senior player for him to get elevated off the rookie list this year, but he’s philosophical about his chances of breaking into the big time in 2013.
“I feel like my form has been really good this year; I’ve been consistent and enjoyed my footy,” Wrigley said.
“Talking to the coaches, I’m probably tighter defensively this year than I was last year, so I know I’m still improving.
“I’d love to be playing seniors to be honest, but the selection is out of my hands. I’ll just keep on working hard and hopefully my footy will be good enough to earn me a spot at some stage soon.”
