AFLNT boss Stuart Totham says the future direction of the Tiwi Bombers is their decision

The 14-year model that makes up the 2020-21 Tiwi Bombers faces a new construction phase, complete with a potential merger and a revamped structure from playing staff to the committee

A rare sight this season. Former AFL Demon Austin Wonaeamirri firing out a handball for the Tiwi Bombers. Picture: Aaron Black AFLNT

THE future playing model of the Tiwi Bombers as an NTFL club is entirely in their hands, AFLNT boss Stuart Totham said this week.

The Tiwis are poised for a winless Premier League season as external and internal challenges hit them hard.

The Bombers’s 14 seasons in the NTFL include a premiership in 2011-12 and a reputation as the league’s excitement machine.

But the retirement of several foundation players, the resignation of joint coach Shane Tipuamantamerri and a lack of commitment from their stars has seen them fall on hard times.

“The Tiwis are having some challenges at the moment as most clubs do, but we’ll stay close to them and support them with what they want to do post season,’’ Totham told the NT News.

“That includes how they review this season and what the club will look like going forward, so it’s really a community and club discussion and we’re here to support that.

“Off the field the community has had some tough challenges with some significant people passing away, but we want to see them continue and be successful in whatever direction they want to take.’’

Totham has not heard from the Bombers or Division 1 club Banks on any potential merger.

“While the competition’s structure is always up for discussion, there has been nothing discussed with us about a merger with Banks and the Tiwis,’’ he said.

“We know they have an interchange agreement and they do some things together, but there’s been no indication of a merger between the two clubs and what it might look like.

“So the future of the club is in their hands, they’ve got commercial challenges other clubs don’t have with the amount of travel involved in their season and other areas.’’

“So there’s a bit of work to do on why it’s not working and what we have to do to get them back up again.

“That’s with a number of other stakeholders involved, including the footy club, the Tiwi community, Essendon Football Club and us as a league.’’

Totham said two positives had emerged in recent weeks.

The league has appointed Nigel Simpson as its regional development officer on the islands and a Tiwi women’s side is poised to play some trial games before the end of the season.

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