AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) and the Northern Territory Football Club wishes to advise that Manager of NT Thunder and AFLNT executive member, Andrew Hodges has resigned from the organisation.
Hodges, who stepped into the head NT Thunder role towards the end of last year, has decided to take some time out and step away to focus on his family and other personal ventures.
Before his stint as Manager of NT Thunder, Hodges was the team’s NEAFL Head Coach for the 2017 and 2018 seasons and was also the AFLNT State Academy Development Coach in 2015 and 2016.
His affiliation with NT Thunder dates back to 2013, when he began as a volunteer with the NT Under 16s before he began working with the senior squad and went on to play a pivotal role in the 2015 NEAFL premiership year as an assistant coach.
Hodges said the decision to step down from his role with AFLNT/NT Thunder was one of the toughest he’s had to make.
“NT Thunder is my club, and I love the people, the program and the work we do, but at the moment there are competing priorities in my life that need my attention.
“We all aim to achieve work/life balance, but the reality is that it’s not the type of role that you can take your eyes off to focus on something else, so it’s with great sadness that I step away from the organisation and club and put mine and my family’s needs first,” he said.
AFLNT CEO Stuart Totham said Hodges was a highly valued member of the organisation and a plan would be put in place to ensure the club would continue smoothly.
“Andrew is a quality person who possesses all the traits and characteristics we admire as an organisation, so we are saddened to see him go.
“We will be working closely with him over the next few weeks to draw up a plan that will see out the 2019 NEAFL and VFLW seasons, which coupled with the processes and procedures he has created for us will stand us in good stead for the future.
“There is no denying that Andrew is a popular figure around AFLNT and will always be welcome back, and though disappointed to lose him we understand the need for him to put his family and personal endeavours first.”
Hodges passed on his thanks to the broader NT Thunder and footy community.
“I’ve been fortunate in my work to do something I love alongside some of the most passionate and hardworking people you could ever wish to meet.
“I’d like to thank the AFLNT Executive and Board for the opportunities I’ve been given over the course. I’m also extremely grateful to all the players, support staff and volunteers directly involved with NT Thunder that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. I wish you all the best for the future and am sure I’ll see you around the place,” he said.
Hodges will finish up with AFLNT on Friday 12 July, and any reappointments made or positions that become available will be advised in due course.