2015 Premiership success

Premiership captain retires from Thunder

28.09.16 07:42

After seven seasons with NT Thunder, including captaining the side to the 2015 NEAFL Premiership, silky midfielder Aaron Motlop has announced his retirement from the Club.

The 30-year-old, who was troubled by knee problems in 2016, played 84 games and kicked 23 goals after debuting in the inaugural NT Thunder side that beat Southport in Round 1 of the 2009 QAFL season.

Motlop overcame adversity on more than one occasion, recovering from a knee reconstruction and the passing of a close friend to be a 2011 Premiership player.

2009 and 2015 - Aaron Motlop with Thunder teammate Ryan Smith

2009 and 2015 success – Aaron Motlop with Thunder teammate Ryan Smith

He expertly captained the side to its one-point victory over Aspley in the 2015 NEAFL Grand Final.

A natural leader, Motlop stepped aside from the captain’s duties in 2016, but remained a constant figure around the Club and at training where he served as a mentor and role model to the other players.

Coach Xavier Clarke was full of high praise for the departing player.

“This past season doesn’t do justice for all Aaron contributed to the Club. He has always maintained a sense of determination and high standard of performance, highlighted by his premiership success last year.

“He is the consummate professional and just a great guy to have around the place. I want to thank him for all he has given to Thunder, he will be sorely missed,” Clarke said.

Aaron Motlop and Xavier Clarke with 2015 Premierhsihip

Aaron Motlop and Xavier Clarke with the 2015 NEAFL Premiership cup

Motlop said he was going to take the time off between NTFL seasons to spend more time with his young family.

“My mind wants to be able to keep going but I know within myself that my body can’t perform at the level expected by my teammates or the Club at NEAFL level,” he said.

Motlop spoke fondly of the part NT Thunder had played in his life and the foundations of which the Club was established.

“It has been a very rewarding experience to be involved in a young footy club that has been built from scratch. It gave us Territorians the opportunity to create our own history and play a brand of footy built on strong values.

“It would be an injustice to try and name everyone I owe thanks to but I couldn’t have become the player or person I am today without the support of my family and friends.

“I owe special thanks to Longy (Michael Long) for having the vision in the first place. If it weren’t for him and the creation of NT Thunder I would’ve been a miserable footballer chasing a dream down south away from the comfort of my home, and the love of my family and friends,” Motlop said.

Motlop is hopeful of putting his injuries aside and lining up for the Wanderers in the upcoming TIO NTFL season and will coach the Wanderers U18 Boys’ side.

Watch Aaron’s tribute video and message below: