Tiwi Islands receive surprise visit from 2023 NAB AFLW Trophy

Residents on Tiwi Island received a surprise visit from the AFLW’s premiership cup during its last stop in the NT. Read about their reaction and the inaugural Tiwi women’s comp.

Player's from the inaugural Ranku Eagles Aussie rules team with the cup. Picture: Jono Laird.

Beaming smiles and open arms were in abundance as the AFLW 2023 premiership trophy landed on the Tiwi Island.

Part of the NAB AFLW Premiership Cup Tour, ahead of the grand final, the coveted trophy spent some time visiting the football fanatics north of Darwin.

Following the cup’s adventures in the Top End where it went to Adelaide River, Litchfield National Park and a NAB Auskick centre, the cup was then flown to the islands.

The cup was a very welcomed surprise among the islands’ inaugural women’s competition players, greeted by many of the clubs in the league.

Tiwi locals on their bicycles posing for a picture with the women's trophy. Picture: Jono Laird.

Player's from the Jikilarruwu Thunder & Lightning women's side posing with the cup. Picture: Jono Laird.

An action shot from one of the matches during Round 13. Picture: Jono Laird.

Players and supporters from the Tapalinga Superstars get their hands on the trophy at the beach. Picture: Jono Laird.

Still in its infancy, the women’s league has been a huge success with seven teams in the competition and close to 300 players.

“Incredibly, in their first year the Tiwi Islands Football League, the women’s competition has been able to establish seven sides with 270 women playing the 14-round season, that began in August,” an AFLW spokeswoman said.

“Not only are they kicking goals in the playing front, but there are nine women coaching and 12 women umpiring in the competition.

“AFLNT hosted open forums to gauge interest in the competition and the first meeting attracted 50 women.

“During the follow-up meetings the group agreed to competition rules, structures, and plans for the season ahead.

“Teams selected captains and coaches and nominated representatives for the TIFLW committee.

“The committee wants to be 100 per cent run by women, including all match day responsibilities, umpiring, and coaching.

“The committee is already planning for 2024, which will bring the TIFLW in line with the men’s competition in the dry season.”

The league will play their first round of finals on Saturday December 2.

Originally published as Tiwi Islands receive surprise visit from 2023 NAB AFLW Trophy