The Magpies confirmed the move on Sunday after holding video conferences with the playing group late this week.

In an extraordinary start after coming under the Magpies banner from the Thornton Redbacks, the team was crowned Women's State Cup champions and sit in contention to make the finals in their first season.

Maitland president Ray Watkins said Hamilton's decision had come as a shock to the playing group, but they had been assured that it in no way did it affect the club's total commitment to the WPL team and its success.

"Keelan has been a wonderful leader, builder and developer of women's football talent in 2021 and also in previous seasons, but he has now taken the opportunity to move into the men's NPL ranks, courtesy of the Lake Macquarie club," Watkins said in a letter to the women's playing group

"We are extremely sad to see him go, but we wish him well.

"We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and commitment that has been demonstrated by all concerned with our women's teams

"Considering 2021, has been our inaugural year, we have achieved great things.

"We have achieved great momentum, and just like the situation with the NPL, who are on the verge of repeating their 2019 premiership achievement, we want to make sure that we convert that momentum into great achievement in the upcoming seasons.

"Our ambition to be the premier club in the NPL was matched by the same desire of being the premier club for the WPL. That was our ambition, before we contracted Keelan Hamilton, and is still the same after Keelan."

The Magpies slipped out of the top four and into fifth place after a 3-1 loss to Adamstown in round 17, the last round before the Hunter went into Covid lockdown. It left the Herald WPL newcomers on 24 points and four adrift of Adamstown and Warners Bay, who are level-pegged for third place with 28.

Northern NSW Football is committed to pressing ahead with if possible completing the regular season and playing finals.

Watkins said some preliminary discussions had already been held on finding a replacement for Hamilton and they hoped to be interviewing prospective candidates soon.

He said he was really pleased that the playing group had committed to the club for the next season at the video hook-ups and they would soon be in a position to update all players on rosters for 2022.

"Over the next couple of weeks, we want to work with the senior leadership group, to hear their suggestions and recommendations, as we complete 2021 obligations, and then work towards the opportunities of 2022," Watkins said.