Tiwi Bombers putting off-field concerns aside to focus on staying alive in NTFL finals race

PADDY Heenan expects a fully focused Tiwi Bombers side to run on to TIO Stadium for Saturday’s NTFL first semi-final

Tiwi Bomber Ashton Hams is set to return for Saturday’s knockout first semi-final against Southern Districts.

PADDY Heenan expects a fully focused Tiwi Bombers side to run on to TIO Stadium for Saturday’s NTFL first semi-final.

The Bombers have been embroiled in a racial vilification case involving key forward Austin Wonaeamirri,

The potential loss of defender Jason Puruntatameri and Rising Star nominee Matthew Kantilla to striking charges handed down by the match review panel has added to their worries.

But the news from Bathurst Island last night was the Bombers will appeal both suspensions at tonight’s tribunal hearing.

Bombers’ skipper Heenan said the players were trying to stay positive while letting all the off-field issues work themselves out.

“The incident with Aussie (Wonaeamirri) we’ll let AFLNT deal with,’’ he told the NT News.

“The other on-field stuff we’ll try and control ourselves and not let it get out of hand, particularly with what’s at stake this week.

“We’re confident we can bounce back from the loss to St Mary’s and work on what didn’t happen for us during the game.

“And remember, if Nightcliff win the other semi and we win, we’ll meet Saints for the third time in five weeks, which is pretty unusual in any competition.’’

Heenan said flying flanker Adam Tipungwuti will be back from VFL duties with North Melbourne this week.

Other key Tiwis in Dion Munkara, Ashton Hams, Jack Monigatti and Charlie Molyneux are all expected to play in the 4.30pm game.

“Those players will give us some depth and experience around the ground we missed against Saints,’’ Heenan said.

“I think we can bounce back, we’ve beaten Districts twice this season (by 35 and 46 points).

“But in finals footy anything can happen and we’re expecting four quarters of tough, running football against a Districts side back in form.’’

The Tiwis lost two out of three finals last season, eventually being bundled out of the premiership race by Districts in a one-sided preliminary final.

“Whoever rocks up with the right attitude and eyes for the ball will win this game,’’ Heenan said.

“It’s final football and a big effort is required by everyone out there on the ground.’’