Djarrak overcome a determined Gopu to take the 2009 Gove Australian Football League Premiership
The quickest part of the Old Codgers game was the length of the quarters. The local legends of the game competition started proceedings on the GAFL's grand final day. In the tropics the early games are not about kicking off the dew, but trying to avoid sunstroke in the middle of the day. Kangaroos Captain Dave Llewellyn won the toss, and immediately retired to the bench. He was replaced by son Joe who isn't technically allowed to play as he is under the age of 35, but with Dave struggling to keep up with the pace of the game, it is allowed under the local father and son rule.
Jamie Wilks considered playing his son under the same rule, however was at the last minute talked out of it. Instead he volunteered to umpire. His ball up was exemplarily, his whistle blowing sublime, he had no sooner performed this action to commence the opening quarter when the siren blew for a break.
After half time Steve Chandler (aka Captain Blood) was caught red handed at one of his oldest tricks. He only has two, the first is to drive his elbow deep into his opponent’s kidneys, unsuspecting of course, but he wasn't guilty of this at this point of the game. He has a habit of appearing to be removing rubbish or something off the ground out on a flank when he suddenly starts calling for the ball. His ability to make and find space is quite unique, he has been known to move the witches hats to give him space in which to find a kick. His deft move however, resulted in a goal to the Tigers and broke the dead lock of nil all, and not long after this he declared the game over.
Best players: Spike Piro, Darren Nunne, Dave Llewellyn, Paul Dundon, Joe Llewellyn.
The Junior Comp followed this entertaining match, with another close result. The Kangaroos bolted away in the first half superbly led by Bawas. He was supported by Nyalik Mununggurr who though diminutive in stature, is fearless when seeking the ball. Bill and Hayden were also solid in Kangaroos defense and helped earn a 4 goal break at half time.
After the break though the tigers shuffled their line up, and brought on fresh players. Mabo had been terrific all game and he now had Pat Llewelyn to kick to up forward. Djumburrpurr Thorne ran all game and was able to find a little more to help break the dead lock when the game went into extra time. Both sides had their chance to kick the golden goal but it came down to young Pat's fearless charge with eyes only for the ball. He marked in front of goal and confidently notched the Tigers winning goal.
The preliminaries out of the way the main game took centre stage. Djarrak announced its intentions immediately with a dominant 10 minute burst. Phillip Bukulatjpi was scintillating in the middle, he read either ruckman and sent the ball spearing forward. Michael Mununggurritj was electrifying, particularly overhead and he registered the first goal for Djarrak. Goals came in quick succession, as Gopu looked helpless. With any error, Djarrak were stalking in numbers to steal the ball away.
As they settled into their game Djarrak's defence pressured Gopu wide into their forward line. The resulting shots at goal were difficult and only minor scores. The quarter ended with both teams having shared possession time, the difference was a matter of accuracy, Djarrak 6.1 Gopu 2.4.
Gopu were not going to lie down. Players with the calibre of Hamish Simpson and Danny Bromot are tough to hold down all day, and as they broke their determined taggers, Gopu began to claw their way back into the match. Gerard Purantatameri defied his opponents to catch him as he broke clear of them in a couple of electric bursts of speed. Trevor Mununggurr was out leaping Mulumin Maymuru and was deadly in front of goal but his team mate Samuel Gurruwiwi had his radar out and while he was finding the ball often, he failed to convert his opportunities. Gopu dominated the quarter but were inaccurate, they still trailed by 5 points at half time.
The third quarter was a splendid display of fast and furious football. Nine goals in total and a number of lead changes had the crowd out of their seats and pacing the boundary line encouraging their teams on. Gopu began confidently, Hamish Simpson was on top in the ruck finding Ben Callaghan breaking through the Djarrak lines. They booted their way into the lead and looked dominant when the defiant Djarrak defence clicked. Michael Munungguritj dropped back, he again ruled the air and he linked with speedsters Sebastian Wanambi and Yiliyar Mununggurr to once again surge away. Riccardo Munungurr's 6th goal put his side 10 points up going into the last break.
The final quarter was again tight. Team's traded goals, Djarrak's kicks being precise and measured. They maintained their composure, and valued their shots on goal. Djay'miny Marika's goal from the dead pocket a fine example. Gopu were desperate, with fine individual efforts again by Danny Bromot and Hamish Simpson. Their last defiant charge included a tremendous leap and mark from Simpson. His quick pass to the pocket was superbly marked however by Djalarika Raymond who rose gently over his opponents back to out mark him in sensational manner. His side rebounded and found Riccardo 40metres from goal. His transformation this year from a tough back man to a polished full forward a boon for Djarrak With a deliberate sense of showmanship he slotted his 8th goal for the match. The game was Djarrak's and the adoring fans emotionally began their outpouring of affection for their players.
Michael Mununggurritj was decorated with the Billy Buckle Medal for best a field.
Djarrak 17.4.106 def Gopu 13.14 92
Djarrak:
Best Players: Michael Mununggurritj, Phillip Bukulatjpi, Riccardo Mununggurr, Djalarika Raymond, Darren Mununggurr, Longy Maymuru.
Goal Kickers: Riccardo Munungurr 8, Longy Maymuru 2, Cameron Maymuru 2, Michael Mununggurritj, Djay'miny Marika, Hudson Mununggurr, Yiliyar Mununggurr.
Gopu:
Best Players: Gerard Purantatameri, Hamish Simpson, Danny Bromot, Ben Callaghan, Jessiah Yunupingu, Samuel Gurruwiwi
Goal Kickers:
Samuel Gurruwiwi 4, Trevor Mununggurr 3, Henry Yunupingu 2, Gerard Bush, Jessiah Yunupingu, Cedric Marika, Nathan Black.
GAFL committee would like to thank:
- Major sponsors Lynne Walker, Perkins, Woolworths, Nhulunbuy Corporation, AFLNT, Gove Tackle and Outdoor and BP Nhulunbuy.
- Ric Browne and the Saints FC for marking the grounds during the season.
- Local umpires Stewart McGill and Michael Sandford.
- Jerry and Fiona Djerrkura for co-ordinating each match day for the season
- Harry Walker for his calm mathematical skills manning the scoreboard each week.
The GAFL takes a break until April of 2010.