Last Sunday, the Tiwi Islands Football League (TIFL) Grand Finals in Wurrumiyanga delivered an unforgettable day of football. In what became a battle of Bathurst Island versus Melville Island drew thousands of local supporters to witness a thrilling display of the game.
In the history making Women’s Grand Final, the Muluwurri Magpies, who had boasted an undefeated record throughout the season, faced a stunning upset in the semi-final against the Tapalinga Superstars. This loss marked a dramatic turn of events, as the Superstars edged out the Magpies by nine points in a gripping match. The two teams had previously clashed in last year’s grand final, a similarly nail-biting contest that saw the Magpies secure a narrow one-point victory.
This history fuelled Tapalinga’s determination, as they burst out of the gates with the first goal in the opening 20 seconds, quickly followed by another. Muluwurri found themselves on the back foot, conceding a third goal just before quarter time. The Magpies' hopes were briefly lifted in the second quarter with two scoring shots, but both were behinds, while Tapalinga added their fourth and fifth goals. Muluwurri finally registered their first goal halfway through the second term, but Tapalinga's early dominance had already set the tone for the match.
Tapalinga’s Edmena ‘Gypsy’ Johnson was named Best on Ground for her standout performance, scoring an impressive four goals. Kathleen Cunningham and Gerry Cunningham contributed two goals each, and Jasmine Cunningham added another to the scoreboard. Despite the loss, Muluwurri's Rayna Darcy, Leanne Darcy, and Lina Lorenzo each kicked a goal, capping off a remarkable season.
The match marked the first time in TIFL history that the women’s and men’s competitions were held simultaneously on Grand Final day.
In the Men’s Grand Final, the Ranku Eagles and Muluwurri Magpies, who had been the top two teams throughout the season, faced off in a highly anticipated match. The Eagles had narrowly secured their place in the final with a four-point victory over the Magpies in the semi-final just two weeks earlier.
Ranku dominated the first quarter but managed only two goals despite controlling the territory. In contrast, Muluwurri took charge in the second term, generating seven scoring shots but converting only two goals, while the Eagles added two more goals to their tally.
The third quarter, known as the premiership quarter, lived up to its name with intense play and Muluwurri closing the gap to four points. The teams traded goals in an end-to-end contest, leaving the result hanging in the balance at three-quarter time.
Ranku sealed the victory with a final term performance, scoring three goals to Muluwurri's two, leading to jubilant celebrations on the field. Francis Orsto and Quinton Ross each kicked two goals for the Eagles, while Valentine Jnr Puautjimi, Davis White, Pio Puautjimi, and Clayton Tipiloura added one goal each.
For the Magpies, Nicholas Daniels scored two goals, with Francis Tipungwuti, Steven Lorenzo, Liam Daniels, and Roy Farmer each contributing one.
The 2023/24 TIO NTFL NT News Rising Star, Karlson Kantilla of the Eagles, was awarded Best on Ground for his significant impact in the ruck contests.
Josh Kleine, Football Development Lead for the Tiwi Islands, highlighted the remarkable progress in the 2024 Tiwi Islands Football League (TIFL) season. He noted, “This year's Grand Final was historic, featuring both Women’s and Men’s final on the same day.
“The Men’s competition was intensely competitive, with every team showing their capability.
“The Women's game saw significant improvement in quality, driven by advanced coaching and tactical growth. The finals displayed exceptional football, highlighting the hard work of the coaches, players, and the entire TIFL community.
“We’d like to congratulate the TIFL Committee on a successful season.”
Participation on the Tiwi Islands has seen substantial growth in recent years, driven by investments from the AFL Game Development Investment Panel (GDIP) in 2023, as well as joint funding from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
Both Women’s and Men’s grand finals replays are available now to watch via the AFLNTv YouTube channel.