
Cyril Rioli Jnr – a four-time AFL premiership player with Hawthorn – watches on from the sidelines. Rioli started running for the Tiwi team in round 13. He retired from the AFL in July 2018 so he could return to the Top End and be closer to his family. Tiwi Bombers v Southern Crocs, NTFL round 14, January 19, 2019

Yolgnu man Nathan Djerrkura – who played 25 games for the Cats and the Dogs in the AFL – celebrates with Harley Puruntatameri (number 48) in the rain. Tiwi Bombers v Southern Crocs, NTFL round 14, January 19, 2019.

Randy Mungatopi runs his opponent down, and Bombers captain Paddy Heenan watches the ball fly over his head. Tiwi Bombers v Southern Crocs, NTFL round 14, January 19, 2019.

Oops. Jack Munkara loses a shoe as he looks to kick the Bombers forward. Tiwi Bombers v Southern Crocs, NTFL round 14, January 19, 2019.

The Hand Stand at Norbuilt Oval, the home of the Southern Crocs. The Crocs were current Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley’s first senior club. Tiwi Bombers v Southern Crocs, NTFL round 14, January 19, 2019.

Cyril Rioli Jnr sends Austin “Ossie” Wonaeamirri to the bench after a last quarter goal. Tiwi Bombers v Southern Crocs, NTFL round 14, January 19, 2019.

Bombers assistant coach Jeffrey “Yello” Simon high fives Brenton Toy after the final siren against the Crocs. “Yello” is a vocalist and guitarist for popular saltwater Tiwi band B2M. Tiwi Bombers v Southern Crocs, NTFL round 14, January 19, 2019.

Randy Mungatopi shapes to handball. Tiwi Bombers v Nightcliff Tigers, NTFL round 15, January 27, 2019.

It’s hard to shake Dion Munkara off. Here, he leaves the ground to lay a tackle against Nightcliff. Tiwi Bombers v Nightcliff Tigers, NTFL round 15, January 27, 2019.

Cyril Rioli Jnr discusses forward line tactics with Tiwi players Simon Munkara and Ross Tungatalum. Tiwi Bombers v Nightcliff Tigers, NTFL round 15, January 27, 2019.

Dion Munkara stoops to pick up a wet ball… Tiwi Bombers v Nightcliff Tigers, NTFL round 15, January 27, 2019.

And does so cleanly. Tiwi Bombers v Nightcliff Tigers, NTFL round 15, January 27, 2019.

Nathan Djerrkura tries to quickly kick the wet ball out of congestion, but it slips, and he ends up having a fresh airy. Tiwi Bombers v Nightcliff Tigers, NTFL round 15, January 27, 2019.

Djerrkura jumps for joy after a last-quarter goal that gave the Bombers a 15-point lead. Tiwi Bombers v Nightcliff Tigers, NTFL round 15, January 27, 2019.

Christian Burgess, from Vermont Football Club in Melbourne, comes off in the closing minutes with a gash over his eye. Tiwi Bombers v Nightcliff Tigers, NTFL round 15, January 27, 2019.

Jeffrey Simon Jnr punches the air, while Simon Munkara and Shane Tipuamantmirri embrace. Tiwi Bombers v Nightcliff Tigers, NTFL round 15, January 27, 2019.
Part One of this series can be found here.
Part Two of this series can be found here.
Part Three of this series can be found here.
Travel and research was supported by funding from the Melbourne Press Club’s Michael Gordon Fellowship program.