NT Thunder Football Club regretfully advises the inaugural VFL Women’s coach Tim Weatherald told the club a few weeks ago that he would be unable to continue in his role as NT Thunder VFL W Head Coach.

Weatherald, his wife Marnie and four young daughters will relocate back to Adelaide in the New Year to pursue full-time work opportunities.

In its first year of the competition, the Thunder VFL W side won 11 of its 14 games, made the finals and played a total of 54 women across the season.

Newly appointed Manager of NT Thunder Andrew Hodges said it was disappointing to see Weatherald go but the reasoning was understandable.

“Tim did a fantastic job this year in guiding and developing our elite women’s program.

“He put in countless hours and went above and beyond to ensure the team had a successful first year. I was lucky enough to work closely with Tim in my former role and thoroughly enjoyed the comradery and opportunities we shared.

“We would’ve loved to have kept him on, but we wish him and the family all the best, there’s no doubt he will be successful in his future endeavours, and we hope to remain close,” Hodges said.

Weatherald said he was sad to step down as ThunderW Head Coach but looked forward to continuing with the club in some capacity.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given with AFLNT and NT Thunder and thoroughly enjoyed my time. It was a great challenge for me to be coaching in a professional environment at VFL W level and with more to learn and give I would’ve loved to have continued but unfortunately, my teaching career and family life is taking me in another direction.

“I loved working with the players and staff, getting to know the volunteers and meeting all the sponsors and fans, who all embraced the Weatherald family. We made many fond memories that won’t soon be forgotten.

“I hope to continue being involved with NT Thunder in some capacity and wish Andrew and his team as well as the future coaches, players, supporters and fans all the best for the future,” Weatherald said.

Hodges said he was aware Weatherald was moving back to Adelaide before he accepted the role as Manager of NT Thunder and as such, the hunt for a new NT Thunder VFL W Head Coach will begin immediately.