An NTFL Premier League outfit is getting closer and closer for Tiwi Bombers, legendary coach Colleen Gwynne excited at prospect
TIWI Bombers have taken the first big step towards entering a side in the NTFL Women’s Premier League, playing their first-ever exhibition game as an outfit.
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TIWI Bombers have taken the first big step towards entering a side in the NTFL Women’s Premier League, playing their first-ever exhibition game as an outfit.
The Bombers played their first in a series of exhibition matches against Nightcliff Division 2 and hope it will be the start of their push to be recognised in the Premier League.
Coach Colleen Gwynne brings plenty of experience from her time with AFLW side Adelaide Crows and winning eight premierships with her highly-successful Waratah outfit.
The Tiwi women could have a side in the WPL in 21-22 if a series of exhibition matches succeed
The Tiwi Bombers have begun their push to enter a side in the NTFL’s Women’s Premier League
“To be able to coach an all-Tiwi side is a great honour and I feel privileged to have been chosen,” Gwynne said.
“What’s exciting about this is the girls who will pull on the Tiwi strip we don’t know about them, or they haven’t played at this level before.
“We’re confident that we will be a part of the Premier League competition next year.
“This is about a passion to see Tiwi women play in their own right and I have no doubt that we will see some of these girls on the national stage.”
President of the Tiwi Football Club, Mary Dunn, has been working to get the women’s side off the ground for 20 years.
“I’m full of emotion. This has been a long time coming and I’ve been trying to put this together for 20 years,” she said.
“It’s taken a lot but I’m glad that we’re there. I’m grateful to be alive today to see our women showcase to the rest of Australia, not just the Northern Territory.
“To enter the competition would be fantastic. We have the men and juniors in but to have the women would be a big event for us.”
Player interest has been massive for the inaugural side with over 50 women from Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, Wurrumiyanga and Pika signing up to play.
Some in the team have previous NTFL experience playing for different clubs, and they jumped at the chance to play in their home colours.
St Mary’s spearhead Laelia Dunn, who scored 42 goals in the 2018 season, is one such player honoured to get the chance to represent her home.
“It’s exciting. I think it’s overdue being one of the Tiwi women playing in other teams it’s such an honour to represent our community and the Tiwi Islands,” Dunn said.
“It is difficult to be split with training between communities but as Tiwi when we come together we understand each other’s abilities so we should gel well on the field.
“To become a permanent team in the competition would be an honour.”
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