Muluwurri Magpies beat Tapalinga Superstars in inaugural Tiwi Islands Football League grand final
The Tiwi women’s grand final was a thriller coming down to just one point, capping off an incredible competition which has helped the women’s game grow tenfold on the Islands.
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The Muluwurri Magpies created history when they came from behind to beat the Tapalinga Superstars and claim the inaugural Tiwi Islands Football League women’s competition.
The women’s competition has been a massive success for Tiwi with more than 300 players taking part in the nine-round competition throughout the season.
And supporters were out in force on Sunday to see the historic tournament come to an end, with 1000 Tiwi Islanders and a full ferry of spectators from Darwin.
Tapalinga were the form side throughout finals and they carried their intensity into the grand final forming a 16 point lead by half time, thanks in part to four goals from Shakayla Gardiner-Dunn.
But the Magpies regrouped at half time and within a couple of minutes were just four points behind and back in the mix.
The league’s best and fairest Arthurnina Moreen was critical in that period chopping out in the ruck, while Jess Stassi was crucial up forward booting three goals for the day.
Jodie Palipuaminni was best on ground for the Magpies helping them take the win in a match which was never separated by more than a goal after the half time comeback.
Minor premiers Magpies got the win in the end kicking an accurate 8.2 (50) to 7.7 (49) victory to secure the historic premiership.
AFLNT football development lead Josh Kleine said it was a fantastic finish to what had been a sensational step forward for women’s footy on the Tiwi Islands.
“The whole day was sensational, it’s a huge step forward for the women and they’ve taken a huge step forward with everything to do with their football league,” he said.
“The crowd was enormous and the atmosphere was unbelievable, there would have been 1000 locals and the ferry was packed, the umpires even said they couldn’t hear because of the cheers.
“The women have taken a lot of ownership this season with a full women’s committee, women’s coaches and women’s umpires, and they’ve taken it in a direction they really want.
“There’s massive benefits within the community as in what you learn in sport such as leadership and teamwork, as well as all the health benefits that come with it.”
The women’s competition will continue in 2024 with the season adjusted to fall in line with the men’s competition during the Dry Season.
“Aligning the seasons will have a positive impact so we can create a real club atmosphere with sides training and travelling together,” Kleine said.
“And we’ve seen a really positive with the men moving to the Dry Season coming into the NTFL fitter and better going into playing for the Tiwi Bombers.
“Women’s footy on the island is only going to get bigger and better from here.”
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