NT Thunder Academy Coach Jason Roe has landed an exciting career opportunity with the Gold Coast Suns, taking up a secondment as a Development Coach at the club for the next two seasons.
As part of the role, Roe will split his time between acting as a Development Coach at the Suns and performing the role of Head Coach for AFL Indigenous Programs, which will include leading the development of a National and State Coaching Indigenous Strategy.
AFL Indigenous Programs Manager Chris Johnson said the AFL and Gold Coast Suns were working together to increase Indigenous coaching in the AFL system.
“We are hoping Jason can become the first Indigenous Head Coach in the AFL,” Johnson said.
“This role will be a shared resource between the AFL Indigenous Programs and the Gold Coast Suns, including Jason acting as Head Coach for AFL Indigenous Programs.
“Jason will lead the development of the National and State Coaching Indigenous Strategy that will provide and deliver contemporary education programs and initiatives for coaches and coach developers across all Indigenous programs.”
Roe said the opportunity to return into the AFL system was too good to pass up.
“It really excites me to be able to work closely with Indigenous people throughout Australia and mentor them through their coaching development, as well as being back into the AFL System as a development coach at the Suns as well,” Roe said.
“While I will be leaving with some sadness I know the talent programs is in good hands under new Manager Brenton Toy and the talent team.
“I’d like to thank Damien Hale and Andrew Hodges for giving me the opportunity to transition from player to coach many years ago, it is definitely a pathway that I see myself in and hope to become a successful coach in the years to come.”
AFLNT Manager of Talent Brenton Toy said Roe had the potential to coach at the highest level.
“Jason’s started as the NT Thunder Academy Coach in September 2018 and has done a terrific job in a sometimes challenging but very rewarding environment,” Toy said.
“While this may be a great loss to our organisation, this is a terrific opportunity for Jason to develop and gain the experience in the AFL system and set out a pathway for aspiring AFL coaches.
“On behalf of the AFLNT and the talent team I would like to thank Jason for his dedication and commitment to the program and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
AFLNT Chief Executive Stuart Totham said Roe would be a fine addition to the Suns’ coaching staff.
“Congratulations to Jason, this is an exciting opportunity for him to further progress his coaching career,” Totham said.
“The appointment demonstrates the strong pathways through the NT Thunder Academy system and reinforces our growing relationship with the Gold Coast Suns.”
Roe has extensive experience as a player including stints with the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood in the AFL, North Adelaide in the SANFL and most recently finishing off his playing career with the Nightcliff Tigers in the NTFL and NT Thunder in the NEAFL.
He will start his new role on 17 March but will be periodically available to continue to support the NT Thunder Academy Program until a replacement is found.