FORMER St Kilda player Xavier Clarke has been appointed head coach of the Northern Territory Thunder.

Clarke, who played 105 games for St Kilda and one for Brisbane, takes over after a healthy apprenticeship with the AFL as the National Indigenous Programs Coordinator – a position which he has held for the past 14 months.

Following his retirement at the conclusion of the 2011 season, the No.5 selection in the 2001 National Draft pursued coaching immediately and was appointed Brisbane’s opposition analysis manager before moving into his role with the AFL’s indigenous program.

However Clarke’s achievements don’t just rest with his highly regarded coaching philosophies and his lofty reputation as a player. He was also the founding director of the Unity Foundation which works to provide housing and support for homeless indigenous youth.

Originally from the Northern Territory, Clarke played for St Marys Football Club before embarking on a decade-long AFL career.

The 30-year-old is excited to take on the role and committed to developing Northern Territory football.

“I want to see more Territory boys play at the elite level who have come through the Thunder program and I want to see the NT Thunder become a successful team again,” Clarke said.

“I also see the Thunder program playing a vital role in the NT communities through education, health, employment and leadership.”

The Northern Territory Thunder play in the North East Australian Football League (NEAFL), a competition comprising of club’s from NT, Queensland, NSW and the ACT.

It’s a second-tier league that sits below the AFL and has four AFL reserves teams – GWS, Gold Coast, Sydney and Brisbane.

Clarke has been appointed until the conclusion of the 2015 season and replaces Daniel Archer who departed the club in October. 

St Kilda Football Club wishes Xavier all the best as he embarks on what shapes as a long and successful coaching career.