North Melbourne’s head of performance, Matt Turnbull, will step down from his role this weekend after six years at the club due to family reasons.

Turnbull began his journey with the Kangaroos as a physiotherapist, and was elevated to head physiotherapist before taking on his current role at the end of 2020, but has elected to put his family first and move to Wagga to be with his wife and children.

“We can’t speak highly enough of Matt’s professionalism, work ethic, knowledge and team-first attitude,” North GM football Brady Rawlings said.

“He’s a team player and always puts others first – this time it’s his family. Matt has done an enormous amount of work at North and will be missed.”

Although North’s injury list this season has been well documented, Rawlings pointed out many were unavoidable.

“As it stands, four players have soft tissue related issues while the rest are collision-based or those we deem ‘unavoidable’,” he said.

“Matt had only just taken on the role of head of high performance, and he was a big part of our plans looking ahead.

“We have already determined a way to ensure our medical and high performance departments are adequately resourced and player wellbeing is prioritised in Matt’s absence. We will look to fill the role of Head of High Performance on a permanent basis at the end of the season and will be leaving no stone unturned in finding the best person and fit for our club.”

Turnbull will be on hand to assist remotely as the club transitions to its new structure.

“Matt has had a big impact on many people at the club, particularly within the playing group. We thank him for his work and wish him and his family all the best moving forward.”