NT Thunder congratulates Xavier Clarke on his appointment as a development coach at the Richmond Football Club.

After arriving at the Club at the end of 2013, Clarke went on to coach NT Thunder for three seasons and 58 games.

Clarke’s list of achievements include coaching the 2015 NEAFL Premiership team, winning the NEAFL Coach of the Year in 2014 and, earlier this year, being awarded the NT Sports Awards Coach of the Year.

AFLNT CEO Michael Solomon said AFLNT and NT Thunder could not be prouder of Clarke and his achievements so far.

“We are thrilled that Xavier has been selected for a coaching position at Richmond and we are confident that he will deliver in his new role with the same professionalism, tenacity and integrity that he showed at NT Thunder.

“The place will be very different without him but he is a favourite son of the Territory and we look forward to rejoicing in his future success and welcoming him back whenever he visits.”

In farewelling Clarke, Manager of Football Operations, Joel Bowden thanked him for his contribution to the Club.

“In his time at NT Thunder, Xavier has been instrumental in our success and his ability to develop our players has been first-class,” Bowden.

“Xavier is well-placed for the transition into the AFL coaching ranks, which is thoroughly deserved on the back of an impressive football resume.

“We thank him for the contribution he has made to our Club and the broader community and wish him luck in his role at the Tigers,” he said.

Clarke is currently overseas on an AFL Coaches’ Association study tour and will finish up at NT Thunder on Friday 11 November.