Simon Munkara will leave a legacy behind him of brilliant skills and a fierce appetite for the game

JOINT Tiwi Bombers coach Jamie Scrymgour has praised retiring veteran Simon Munkara’s 13-year contribution to the Premier League club

Simon Munkara spins towards goal in a pose that transpired through several seasons as an original Tiwi Bomber. Picture: AFLNT/Media

JOINT Tiwi Bombers coach Jamie Scrymgour has praised retiring veteran Simon Munkara’s 13-year contribution to the Premier League club.

The 36-year-old announced his retirement immediately after the Bombers’ exit from the Premier League finals on Saturday.

A premiership player with the Tiwis in 2011-12 when they won their only Premier League flag by beating Nightcliff in drizzling rain, Munkara’s NTFL career took in more than 200 games and three clubs.

“Simon was a great player for the Tiwi Bombers, he’s been with the club since it started and unfortunately, it’s time for him in terms of playing,’’ Scrymgour said.

“But next year he’ll be back in some coaching capacity with the club and we’re looking forward to that.

“Simon’s a highly respected role model over on the islands, where everything he does is looked up to by the kids.’’

Scrymgour summarised the season as one of several ups and downs for the Tiwis, who were playing under new joint coaches Scrymgour and Shane Tipuamantimirri.

“With new coaches the boys had to get used to our style and what we were trying to implement and it took time,’’ Scrymgour said.

“It’s why we were really happy to finish third after the home and away, knowing that finals footy was another step up.

“It was very exciting to have some quality young blokes in our squad. In many ways we’re hoping they’re not with us for a while and they will be taking their footy elsewhere.

“Tippa and I are about giving those younger blokes opportunities at NTFL level and will continue to do that with our kids.’’

Scrymgour grinned when asked if the same coaching team would be back in 20-21.

“We’ll see what happens,’’ he said. “It’s up to the president and the committee, but we’ve always said this wasn’t going to be a one-year thing.

“We really want to develop the juniors on both islands and make sure the players coming through are going to be a strong and competitive unit for years to come.’’