NTFL Premier League GF - Nightcliff v Tiwi Bombers

[Hells Gates 505]

I will put something positive up this time, hope you enjoy for those interested.

Well after watching last nights horrible display in Adelaide I flew back home to Darwin and got ready to watch the Northern Territory Football League Grand Final between Nightcliff and the Tiwi Bombers.

For those who may be confused footy is played from October to March up here as it is the wet season and they naturally play cricket during the dry which would be Melbournes winter.

The Nightcliff Tigers, who have 3 premierships to their name last won way back in the 1964 season - how ironic. Nightcliff were the standout team all season after a huge recruiting drive and finished the season on top of the NTFL ladder, an amazing feat after finishing with the wooden spoon last year and consistantly being cellar dwellers.

The Tiwi Bombers, a team originated from a group of Islands approx. 100 kms North West of Darwin, were invited to enter the Northern Territory Football League on a seven game trial in 2007. The Tiwi won all seven games and officially became the eighth NTFL club, ‘Tiwi Bombers’, for the 2007/08 season, securing the double chance in that and the following season but failing to win a finals match. A remarkable story of young indigineous men who live and die by the football.

Seeing as Nightcliff havent had a flag for years and Tiwi have never won one, it was going to be a fairytale for one club and heartbreak for the other.

15 minutes before the opening bounce a monsoon storm decided to let rip dumping 20mm of rain, when this happened I quickly thought that would affect the Tiwi free flowing, fast outside running footy and put Nightcliff as favourites as this game was due to be clustered up.

After the a nervous start from the young lass singing the national anthem the boys were away in front of a packed house at TIO stadium. Nightcliif got the first goal and looked the goods in the first quarter taking an early 13 point lead 16m in before the siren sounded with Nightcliff taking the lead to the first break 4.3.27 to Tiwi 2.2.14.

Second quarter and Thomas Motlop goals 5 mins in to take the tigers lead to 18 pts, things were starting to look grim for the Bombers. Ross Tungatalum goaled on the run to bring the deficit back for Tiwi. I mentioned Ross Tungatalum in the "small forward" thread for those who want a bo peep. Then Tiwi flicked the switch from nowhere and started their running game, which is like something from another planet, and started peppering the goals, unfortunately squandering their opportunities kicking 8 behinds for the quarter. Half time score Nightcliff 6.4.40 to Tiwi 4.10.34. At half time chief Minister Paul Henderson revealed that the grandstand will now be called the Maurice Rioli Stand much to the crowds delight.

Third quarter was underway and it was Tiwi playing the better footy and the Tigers defence hanging on for grim life as Tiwi attacked. From the second to the third quarter there was no score for 35 mins until a rushed behind for Tiwi. The Bombers piled on another 5 behinds and when Nightcliff goaled just before the siren at 3/4 time, Tiwi had 4.16 to the Tigers 7.5, Tiwi playing better but Nightcliff hitting the scoreboard.

Last quarter Tiwi unleashed their run and never gave up while there was only so much Nightcliffs defence could handle and finally gave way. Tiwi Bombers running out 14 point winners of their first ever premiership 9.20.74 to Nightcliff 9.6.60. An outstanding game of football and one I highly recommend for anyone to holiday here and watch the Tiwi Bombers. The indigineous boys blow me away and theres nothing they cant do, some of the things are just unbelievable. Paul Scanlon for Tiwi won the Chaney Medal for BOG.

Austin Wonaemirri played for Tiwi tonight. He spent most of his time on the bench, I asked a Tiwi member why and he said he just isnt fit enough and too slow for this standard. He has put on a few extra kg but did turn it on a bit in the last, but nowhere near what he used to be. Sadly I dont think he will play AFL again. Ross Tungatalum however will be on a few clubs minds as a small forward. Personally I rate him a lot higher than Waylon Manson and Wonaemirri.

[Red and Blue Bloke 20]

Thanks for the report, wanted to watch the game on the NTFL website but had other commitments. Sorry to hear about Aussie's contribution. I have heard that even before the tragic passing of his dad, his hamstring problems had started to put an end to his AFL career. Thought the drop back in standard and demand on his body would have given him a chance to thrive.

[bing181 9,242]

I watched a half on the AFL Grandstand page on Youtube. Mesmerising stuff. Tungatalum looks the goods indeed - though he's and outside player's outside player, not sure if Neeld would go for him! I also liked the tall forward for Nightcliff - still very young and raw, but took a couple of great marks up forward. Forgot his name, started with S I think ...

So great to watch just a great game of footy, with real people in all shapes and sizes as players.

[Supermercado 2,797]

Was Tungatalum not already a St Kilda rookie? Not that he'd be the first person to have a second crack.

[Hells Gates 505]

Was Tungatalum not already a St Kilda rookie? Not that he'd be the first person to have a second crack.

Yes he was. As I said in my post read the small forward thread for more info.

Cheers

[Hells Gates 505]

I watched a half on the AFL Grandstand page on Youtube. Mesmerising stuff. Tungatalum looks the goods indeed - though he's and outside player's outside player, not sure if Neeld would go for him! I also liked the tall forward for Nightcliff - still very young and raw, but took a couple of great marks up forward. Forgot his name, started with S I think ...

So great to watch just a great game of footy, with real people in all shapes and sizes as players.

Yes it is mesmerising stuff hey. Just incredible what they can do. Tunga had a quiet game for him but booted 48 goals from 15 games this year. Silky skills and very much an outside player. i think the guy you are talking about from Nightcliff is Stafford??? Yes he looks good, strong hands in the wet.

Haha all shapes thats funny - how about the Tiwi full forward?? Big lad but normally kills it.

[WhateverItTakes 17]

Thanks for the report. I was going to get to the game but didn't make it back from work until after the game had started. In fact, I was caught riding home in the monsoonal shower that dumped 20mm in about 15 minutes.

Have been following Nightcliff for most the season (we moved up here in November), so it was disappointing not to see them come away with the goods, but you gotta be happy for Tiwi on winning their first.

[Hells Gates 505]

Thanks for the report. I was going to get to the game but didn't make it back from work until after the game had started. In fact, I was caught riding home in the monsoonal shower that dumped 20mm in about 15 minutes.

Have been following Nightcliff for most the season (we moved up here in November), so it was disappointing not to see them come away with the goods, but you gotta be happy for Tiwi on winning their first.

Welcome to Darwin - enjoy the heat! Yes that shower was heavy ya poor bugger!! I just made it under the grandstand! Good on Tiwi - Love their theme song.

[Nasher 33,616]

Thanks for the report. I was going to get to the game but didn't make it back from work until after the game had started. In fact, I was caught riding home in the monsoonal shower that dumped 20mm in about 15 minutes.

Have been following Nightcliff for most the season (we moved up here in November), so it was disappointing not to see them come away with the goods, but you gotta be happy for Tiwi on winning their first.

Sneaking in by stealth are we, miss? I had seen your username but had no idea who you were until just now.

[Supermercado 2,797]

Yes he was. As I said in my post read the small forward thread for more info.

Cheers

Thanks, you don't forget a name like that. Which is why I was so cut up when Geelong axed Ranga Ediriwikrama.

[WhateverItTakes 17]

Sneaking in by stealth are we, miss? I had seen your username but had no idea who you were until just now.

Got a problem with my stealthy stealthiness ?