Anthony Munkara notes Eddie Betts as inspiration behind NTFL goal scoring exploits
He was once on Essendon’s list but now Anthony Munkara is lighting up the NTFL with a series of marks and goals that have to be seen to be believed. Read the inspiration behind his latest effort.
Local AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
From thrilling goals to breathtaking marks, Tiwi Bombers Anthony Munkara is no stranger to highlights that have stunned the NTFL and beyond this season.
His latest miracle goal is a magical bouncer that seemingly defied physics and has caught the eyes of the nation as his side raced to a Round 12 win against the Darwin Buffaloes.
The full forward, who previously spent time on Essendon’s list, was hurtling towards the boundary line when he dropped the ball onto the side of his right foot to grubber it through frome the impossible angle.
The commentators were only able to yell “no” and “wow” in disbelief as the ball bounced around the corner and through the sticks, while the opposition were wrong-sided and unable to prevent the goal.
“How do you do that, that’s unbelievable, that can’t happen,” one commentator said after it went through.
“Of course that is Anthony Munkara and we’ve come to expect the unexpected from Anthony,” the other replied in similar awe.
The goal scorer piled on three majors by match end as his side went on to win 16.13 (109) to 7.9 (51).
Munkara revealed after the game the split second decision was in part inspired by one of his footy heroes Eddie Betts, who was famous for his incredible skills which yielded four AFL goal of the year awards.
“I couldn’t turn on my left so I decided to give it a go and roll the ball through the goals on my right foot,” Munkara said.
“I had no other choice because I was on the boundary lines.
“That morning I had been watching bits of Eddie Betts highlights and that got me thinking that I should do something that he used to do.
“I was a big fan of Eddie Betts growing up, so I learned from the best.”
Betts himself was in the Territory for Round 12 helping coach the Palmerston Magpies, who he previously played for after retiring from the top level.
Munkara already had his name on a goal of the year contender when he pounced on a loose ball against Waratah back in Round 7.
In that effort he befuddled the opposition on the wing, before soccering the ball forward, picking it up in one hand and then stepping around several more Tahs defenders and kicking a remarkable goal.
His aerial feats are also attracting attention with Munkara pulling off more than a couple stunning marks that have become instant highlights.
* All NTFL Men’s Premier League matches and select women’s games are streamed live on the NT News each week. Click here to watch.
REPLAY: Waratah dominate in Foundation Cup clash
Waratah rebounded from their recent run of tight losses with a resounding 95 point victory in their Foundation Cup face-off against Wanderers. Watch the full match REPLAY.
REPLAY: Tiwi’s hot streak continues against North Darwin
A hot run of form continued for the Tiwi Bombers against Palmerston, with one player standing up inside 50 despite the absence of some experienced heads. Watch the REPLAY here.