AFL Northern Territory has announced that Head of AFLNT, Stuart Totham, is departing the organisation to embark on a new career opportunity outside of the sporting industry.
Totham has been part of AFLNT for five years, including the past three-and-a-half years at the helm, and has had a significant impact on the game in the Territory.
A widely-respected industry figure and administrator, Totham has had a long association with Territory football and has an immense passion for the game.
Key achievements in his role as Head of AFLNT include securing multi-year funding for remote projects, guiding the business through significant COVID-related challenges and a restructure, NT AFL license taskforce establishment, strengthening links with AFL clubs Gold Coast and Melbourne, and expanding revenue opportunities for NTFL clubs.
AFL Executive General Manager Game Development and General Counsel, Andrew Dillon, thanked Totham for his service and congratulated him on his contribution to the game.
“Stuart is incredibly passionate about the game in the NT and his leadership has been critical in guiding AFLNT through an exciting growth phase, as well as a challenging period with COVID disruptions.
“Australian football is by far the biggest game in the Territory and AFLNT has an important role to play in engaging so many people and communities. The game in the Territory is in better shape for Stuart’s contribution and is set up well for future success.
“The AFL thanks Stuart and wishes him the best for the next chapter of his career.”
AFLNT Chairman, Sean Bowden, praised Totham for his efforts.
“Stuart has done a tremendous job leading AFLNT and developing the game in the Territory. He has built excellent relationships with stakeholders, advocated for Territory football and helped to ensure the game remains the biggest and most impactful sport in communities across the NT. During the recent COVID19 challenges he has been tireless in his efforts on behalf of the Territory football community.
“Stuart can be extremely proud of what he has delivered for Territory football and for leaving the game in a strong position. Stuart’s legacy at all levels of our game is secure and we wish him and his family all the very best in his next challenge.”
Raised in Darwin, Totham enjoyed a distinguished playing career which started in the Territory before a he moved to the SANFL to play for Sturt and Woodville-West Torrens. Prior to his time at AFLNT, he held senior roles at Port Adelaide and Sturt Football Clubs and was CEO of the NT Thunder from 2008-11.
Totham expressed gratitude to those he’s worked with in his time at AFLNT.
“I would like to thank the AFL and AFLNT Board for the opportunity to rejoin the industry back in November 2016 and the opportunity to lead footy in the Territory - an ambition of mine from an early age.
“I feel that we have achieved a great deal in the past few years, in some challenging circumstances. We’ve seen the significant impacts of COVID industry wide, leading to organisational restructures and new ways of working. In the NT, we’ve renewed our focus on the foundations of the game through community football and talent development. We have also established our long-term goals to keep the NT relevant in the game as one of the AFL’s heartland jurisdictions, with plans for a Darwin stadium and an NT AFL team.
“I would like to thank Sean Bowden, Andrew Dillon and the AFLNT Board for their support and guidance, in particular over the last 18 months as we have navigated our way through a challenging environment.
“A special thank you to all the AFLNT and AFL team members and all stakeholders who do amazing things for footy and the community right across the Territory.
“Finally thank you to my wife Bridie and my family for all your support over the past five years and allowing me to follow my passion for Territory footy.”
Totham is moving to a national role at the Endeavour Group.
The AFL will soon begin the recruitment process for a new Head of AFLNT.