Wright, 23, is aiming to pile the pressure on central defenders Matthew Spiranovic, Trent Sainsbury, and Alex Wilkinson.
Wright has three caps for the Socceroos and would dearly love to pick up more on the long and potentially treacherous path to Russia 2018.
With Preston North End, a club with a proud and enduring history, returning to the second tier after winning promotion via the playoffs, Wright knows this could be his time to shine in a division which includes fellow Socceroos Jason Davidson, who is at Huddersfield Town, and Massimo Luongo at Queens Park Rangers.
Wright is looking forward to head-on jousts with Luongo, who was in the Swindon team beaten by Preston in the League One play-off final, and new Huddersfield signing Davidson.
“It was always obvious that Mass would take that next step after how he performed with Swindon and he’ll do well in this league, for sure,” Wright said.
“And the same goes for Jason, who was unlucky not to get much game time at West Brom last season.”
Wright is eyeing off next month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh and Tajikistan.
“I’ve had a little taste of things so far and it’s been an experience that I want to continue," Wright said.
"I want to play any part I can, and the World Cup qualifiers are massive for us. To be involved again would be brilliant, and if I continue to play my part for Preston and the team does well, then hopefully things will look after themselves.
“It’s everybody's dream to play for Australia. I believe I am still developing as a player and getting stronger each season and getting a better understanding of the game.
“That said, I have a long way to go yet. With the national team, there are some good players there but somebody can get injured and you might get the chance to make the spot yours.
“I just go into every squad, work hard and keep everybody on their toes. If they slip up and the opportunity comes your way then you take it.”
Wright had a brief two-game taste of the Championship before Preston was relegated in 2010, and is confident he and his team will rise to the occasion when the new season starts at home against Middleborough on Sunday night.
Wright has a clean bill of health after struggling with a groin injury last season, and he is relishing facing a Boro side who will be without their own Australia international, Rhys Williams, who remains on the sidelines as he continues his rehabilitation from a double Achilles rupture.
“It’s a home game and a great challenge for our first match and one that we’ll relish,” he added.
“The Championship is all about big games and Boro came close last year to going up and they will want to be up there again.”
Former Socceroos midfielder Neil Kilkenny is the other Australian in Preston’s ranks and Wright said Kilkenny has been looking sharp in the pre-season, as he seeks out a regular starting spot.
“Killa's shaping up and is going to be an important player for us again," Wright said.
“He showed that in the play-off final win over Swindon (4-0 back in May at Wembley).”
Preston may have to explore a more expansive style of play in order to push for the playoffs, in a division many believe is the hardest to escape of any in Europe.
“Maybe we are direct but we can also mix it up when we have to, and we did that last year in the cups where we got the better of Norwich in the third round of the FA Cup," Wright said.
“We know we have the quality to do well in the Championship, but we also know the game that suits us best and how we can get the best out of each other.”
Preston has also bolstered its squad by signing, on loan from Sunderland, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, as well as left back Greg Cunningham, from Bristol City.
“We have added some depth and a few more will come in over the next few weeks," Wright said.
"We have a winning mentality, which I believe will continue in the Championship.
“We demand a lot of each other and we are definitely aiming to be up there competing in the top half the table. We have confidence and belief in ourselves, although we know its going to be tough in a division with some great teams and great players.”
