Former AFL player Steven Motlop will return to where his football journey began after being appointed co-coach of Wanderers for the 2026/27 Northern Territory Football League season.
Motlop will lead the club's Men's Premier League program alongside his cousin, Aaron Motlop, who will continue in the role after already spending several years at the helm.
It is a significant appointment for the Muk Muks, who have languished down the bottom of the ladder across the past couple of seasons.
The ex-Geelong and Port Adelaide player said he was proud to be returning to a club that means so much to him.
"(I'm) incredibly proud to be returning as senior co-coach of the Wanderers Football Club, where it all started for me," Motlop said.
"I'm looking forward to working closely with the coaching group, players and junior program to help develop the next generation and continue building a strong culture on and off the field.
"Wanderers is a special club - it's my family club - and I'm excited to be back contributing to its future, giving back to the place that has given so much to me, and helping take the club in the right direction."
Motlop played 217 AFL games for the Cats and Power, where he built a reputation as an exciting and creative forward who could also run through the midfield.
After retiring from the AFL at the end of the 2022 season, he returned to play with Wanderers in the NTFL.
He later spent time with PINT, where he played under his brother Shannon Motlop, before moving to Southern Districts.
Motlop was an important part of the Crocs' 2024/25 premiership side and also featured prominently in their strong 2025/26 campaign.
Across his time in the NTFL, he has shown his ability to impact games in different roles.
While he is best known for his forward half craft, Motlop has also produced strong football across half back with his decision-making and precision ball use a feature of his game.
Wanderers confirmed the appointment through a club statement, saying both Aaron and Steven represented what the club stood for.
The club said their connection to Wanderers, football knowledge and passion for developing players made them a strong pairing to lead the program.
Aaron Motlop said he was looking forward to working with Steven.
"I'm incredibly proud to once again be appointed coach of this great club and am extremely thrilled to work closely alongside Steven in creating a football environment that reflects the values, vision and history of the Wanderers Football Club," he said.
The appointment marks an important step in the Eagles' rebuild, with Motlop's return expected to inject plenty of enthusiasm into the club ahead of the upcoming season.
