In 1990 a special NTFL panel chose John ‘Bubba’ Tye as the best player since Cyclone Tracy, a monumental honour.

His stellar career, in excess of 200 games, began at Darwin Buffaloes making his senior debut at 16. He won 3 premierships with the Buffs and won the Chaney medal in the 1972/73 grand final.

Transferring to Nightcliff he was part of the premiership team in 1973/74 once again winning the Chaney medal and coming runner up in the Nichols medal.

Captained the 1974 NT representative side and was a member of the Territory team which played against the Australian Amateurs in 1979.

In 1978/79 Tye won the Nichols medal and was also Nightcliff’s Best & Fairest winner. He went on to coach Nightcliff in the 1984/85 season.

His career in football is best summed up by the words penned in the NTFL football record Insight where he was described as follows;

“His inspirational play earned him the respect of all football followers. His fierce attack on the ball sent shudders through all his opponents. A brilliant mark and a superb kick, to watch Bubba play would often give all his supporters goose bumps”.