Shannon Motlop signs on as coach of PINT after ‘heartbreaking’ split with Wanderers
Former Wanderers coach Shannon Motlop says his decision to guide PINT Football Club for its debut Men’s Premier League season “happened very quickly”.
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FORMER Wanderers coach Shannon Motlop said he had to leave the club if he was to ever coach again.
The North Melbourne premiership player has signed on to guide PINT in its first Men’s Premier League season this coming season.
It comes after his two-year reign came to a sudden end in June last year in a “heartbreaking” split after his application for a new three-year deal was rejected by the club’s hierarchy.
A then shattered Motlop, who had taken Wanderers from second last to the preliminary final in 2020-21, said at the time it was “going to be hard for me to have anything to do with Wanderers” but would not consider coaching anywhere else.
And that still seemed to be the case until recent weeks when Motlop received a call from PINT powerbrokers.
“It happened very quickly,” Motlop said.
“I had no intentions to go back into coaching.
“I was very attached to Wanderers in many ways. I never really saw myself leaving Wanderers.
“When people asked me about (coaching again) I said: ‘Nah, no way’.”
He admitted his social connection with Wanderers had stopped him from moving to another club.
“I was scared of it," he said.
“I was very attached to Wanderers in many ways.
“But I realised if I ever wanted to coach again there’s nothing available to me there.
“I really had no choice if I wanted to move on.”
Motlop was ultimately sold by the club’s “great” reputation, led by hard working volunteers.
His father had also played with PINT before joining Wanderers and Motlop played in a few trial matches with the Greenants as a teenager.
“They’ve got it all together ... it was just really appealing,” Motlop said, who has signed for one year with the option of another.
“They’ve got a lot to work with, I’ve just got to add my bit to it.
“It’s really got me excited to coach again.”
Club president Spencer Harvey recently told the NT News the club would like to recruit around 10 new players to help its promotion to a higher level.
And Motlop was brutal in his assessment of PINT’s performance on grand final day in March, losing by 13 points to Banks.
“They really did not turn up to play on the day,” he said.
“Banks were on their game. It’s an insight into next year, maybe.”
He hoped to inject some pace but was mindful of respecting the squad which had come close to winning a Division One premiership.
“They might need a pretty big influx of recruits... but at the end of the day there are guys who got them to where they were,” he said.
“Those guys also deserve an opportunity to play.
“I think it’s really important we look after the guys who have been busting their butt for a long time.
“I’m really loyal to the players like that.”
He said the majority of Wanderers people had wished him well with the move, after stepping away from any kind of official duties with the club during the 2021-22 season.
“Knowing what went down at Wanderers 12 months ago, people are happy for me to get the opportunity again.
“I’ve never been out of footy all my life and last year I was.
“I just decided I’d step away from them for at least a period of time.
“Last year I just wasn’t a part of it which was sad.”
However, he didn’t mince his words when asked how tough last June’s exit was, believing only a tiny few didn't want him in charge of the Premier team.
“What happened to me at Wanderers was heartbreaking,” he said.
“What went down, I didn’t think was right.
“I had the backing of the players at the time, but certain people didn’t want me at the club.
“I wasn’t happy with the people who didn’t want me to coach, there wasn’t many, only one or two.”
In a statement on their Facebook page, PINT said they were “elated” to recruit a man of Motlop’s experience.
“The Motlop name is synonymous with Territory football and the club is elated to have Shannon with his expertise and knowledge,” the statement read.
“He has had a storied football playing career, from being a premiership player at North Melbourne to playing all across Australia including a distinguished stint at Wanderers.”
Former NT product commits to Hawthorn
THE Northern Territory has played a key part in kickstarting Eliza Shannon’s journey from football absentee to AFLW recruit, all within the space of two years.
Shannon has committed to Hawthorn ahead of the 2022 season after strong performances in its VFLW team, following closely in the footsteps of Darwin Buffette Dom Carbone last week.
The Geelong native first arrived in Darwin in October, 2020 on a friend’s recommendation to escape Covid lockdowns, eventually playing for St Mary’s for most of that football season.
After moving from Geelong to Melbourne for university, and dealing with a few injuries, Shannon had put the boots away for more than two years before pulling on the Saints jumper for the first time.
“At the back of my mind I always knew I wanted to go back to footy,” Shannon told the NT News.
“But then Darwin kickstarted that for me.
“I don’t think I’d be here now if I hadn’t been to Darwin. I loved it so much.”
After returning for the following season as vice-captain, Hawthorn then came calling with an opportunity in its VFLW team after Christmas.
She said Saints coach Jarred Ilett had a huge impact on her football revival, which culminated in playing for the Territory in a representative match against Woodville-West Torrens earlier this year.
“Coming over completely in the dark and landing under him was so lucky,” she said of Ilett.
“He’s just a very kind and compassionate coach, he doesn’t put any pressure on or expect too much of you.
“He just trusts you to go out and play your football.”
Shannon said she fully embraced the NT weather, while working at Silks and as a teacher’s aide at Darwin High School.
“It’s pretty ridiculous playing in 44 degrees,” she said with a laugh.
“(I loved) the kind, caring nature of everyone in Darwin, everyone goes out of their way to help you.
“And the camping and the fishing, you can’t really go past it.”
The Geelong Falcons 2018 TAC Cup premiership player is still a little stunned with her rapid rise: “It was hard to believe to be honest, it’s been a long, weird journey that’s for sure.”
J’Noemi Anderson made an All-Australian
A St Mary’s product continues to dream of being the fourth member of her family to be drafted at the highest level after some strong performances in a national Under 18 competition.
J’Noemi Anderson, who won the best and fairest award for the Saints in the Women’s Premier League season at just 16 this year, told the NT News being picked in the AFLW Academy Australia Under 18 team, following the championships, was one of her best achievements to date.
And if drafted by an AFLW team, which remains Anderson’s ultimate footballing goal, she would join her brothers Joe (Carlton) and Jed (North Melbourne, Hawthorn) and sister Jasmine (Adelaide Crows) to be picked by an elite level club.
“To be named in the AFLW Academy felt amazing as I knew it would help me develop and grow my skills,” Anderson said, who is currently studying at Melbourne Girls Grammar.
“This has been one of my best achievements to date with footy and hopefully it will help me continue my journey with football.”
Anderson shone during the national championships, first turning out for the NT Thunder Academy before being picked in the composite Allies team, which drew on players from the Territory, Tasmania, New South Wales and the ACT.
The championships are the highest level of state and territory representative football, part of the AFL’s talent pathway program, with games held across the country.
The Allies team included 10 Territorians including three from the Saints: Anderson, Erini Gikas and Ciaralii Parnell.
“I think I did pretty well considering all the girls in the Allies team only met each other in a very short amount of time and how we connected through the games of footy in that short time,” she said.
Anderson was also one of three Territorians picked to play in an AFLW Academy against Under 23 All Stars match on May 8, playing forward and on the ball while kicking two second half goals.
Lining up for the Under 23 side – made up of players from Victoria, Tasmania and the Territory – was Nightcliff forward Cassie McWilliam and Alice Springs star Doreena Hansen, who was best on ground in the CAFL grand final last year and has been turning out for North Adelaide in the SANFLW in 2022.
The academy side was coached by former Collingwood player Tarkyn Lockyer and AFLW star Daisy Pearce, while former NTFL player Sally Riley was an assistant for the Under 23 team.
Despite that elite level of coaching, Anderson admits she’s not short of mentors in her “huge football family”, getting tips from Joe, Jed and Jasmine along the way, while her mum Libby is “also encouraging me to keep working hard”.
Muluwurri win the Tiwi Islands Football League grand final
MULUWURRI completed a season for the ages in Tiwi Island football when it beat hot favourites Imalu by 28 points in Saturday’s grand final.
Six-goal Magpie forward Stanley Tipiloura won the Brother Pye Medal as the best player on the ground in his side’s win.
First year coach Austin Wonaemirri, the former Melbourne Demon and Tiwi Bombers forward, was the toast of Magpieland after guiding his side to their fourth flag in league history.
“It’s been five years since we’ve won a flag and 15 years since we met them in a grand final, so credit to the boys for the way they got together and produced the hard work we needed to win the game,’’ he said.
“At three quarter time when we were down (by two points) I tried to use some speeches from the few coaches that I had as a player.
“It was all about us in that last quarter because it was a tight run to the wire, what we can do with the footy, pushing through and doing what we had to do to win the game.’’
Muluwurri came from the first semi-final to win the flag, beating Tuyu by two points in the first final, Tapalinga by the same margin in the preliminary final and Imalu in the decider.
They were the only side to beat Imalu all year, winning both home and away games and the grand final.
The game had all the traits associated with 52 years of Tiwi Islands football, the pacy breakaways, superb foot passing and high marking that have fascinated the game’s purists since the first grand final was played in 1970.
The lead changed five times, Tipiloura and Imalu defender Ronaldo Puruntatameri were sensational all day and the crowd’s volume increased with every minute the game was played.
Thrill-a-minute Imalu forward Tristan Lippo set the crowd alight with his big array of skills in the first half, only some narrow misses preventing a five-goal haul by the main break.
Inaccuracy cost Imalu the lead in the first half, their 3.7 wiped out by two late goals from Magpies Billy Huddleston and Stanley Tipiloura.
Three unanswered goals by the Magpies in the early minutes of the third quarter shot Muluwurri out to a big lead, but the Tigers responded with goals to Lippo, Jonus Babui and the league’s leading goalkicker Dale Cunningham.
The David Kantilla medallist would have had four goals by the last change except for a spectacular smother by Magpie veteran Paddy Heenan in the second quarter when his Magpies grabbed a narrow lead.
Tapalinga Superstars midfielder Dwayne Kerinaiua was presented with the prestigious Ted Whitten Medal pre-game as the best and fairest player through the 2021-22 TIFL season.
At only 16 years of age, TIFL officials rate the midfielder-forward as one of the Tiwi Islands’ brightest prospects after playing a handful of games with the Tiwi Bombers and Waratah’s reserves side.
READ MORE HERE
Shannon Motlop signs on as coach of PINT after ‘heartbreaking’ split with Wanderers
Muluwurri Magpies defeat Imalu Tigers to win the premiership
SCORE:
MULUWURRI 2.0 4.2 7.3 13.4 (82)
IMALU 2.1 3.7 6.11 7.12 (54)
GOALS:
Muluwurri: S Tipiloura 6 R Far mer 2 S Lorenzo 2 B Huddleston B Mungatopi.
Imalu: D Cunnungham 4 T Lippo 2 J Babui.
BEST:
Muluwurri: S Tipiloura S Lorenzo J Puruntatameri B Huddleston B Ullungura.
Imalu: R Puruntatameri D Cunningham M Dunn P Dunn J Babui.
Visitors return to the Tiwi Islands grand final
THOUSANDS of football fans are expected to descend on Bathurst Island on Saturday for the region’s biggest game for the year.
The Tiwi Islands Football League grand final returns to Wurrumiyanga’s Tiwi Oval on Saturday, with the Muluwurri Magpies taking on the Imalu Tigers.
The game traditionally attracts about 3500 fans each year.
Usually held in March on a Sunday after the NTFL decider, the season was delayed in January due to the Covid pandemic.
However, both Melville Island teams will cross the Aspley Strait to fight it out for the Maurice Rioli Premiership Cup.
It will be a true battle of attack and defence, too, with the Tigers boasting the competition’s leading goalkicker in Dale Cunningham (45 majors) while the Magpies have the league’s best defender in Shane Austral.
League president Willie Rioli Senior expected people to arrived from all over the country for the game which had become a true cultural experience.
“It’s one our biggest shows of the year... everyone’s really pumped and looking forward to it,” Rioli told the NT News.
“It’s going to be a special day tomorrow.
“I think it’s going to be a great game too, they’ve been the best sides all year.”
He said the atmosphere of a Tiwi grand final was unlike anywhere else.
“It’s just mad, really passionate football people over here, they’re for the love of the game and it’s a great time to catch up with family from all over,” he said.
He said demand had returned for the fixture with plenty of planes jetting over and ferries booked out.
“It’s just been locals the last two years (because of Covid). We couldn’t have visitors,” he said.
“It’s just been our Tiwi mob, this year we’ve inviting everyone over.
“We need to be aware of coronavirus though ... make sure you don’t come over if you’re sick.”
He said local artisans Tiwi Design would also provide a range of arts, crafts and clothing at the ground, including carvings, dot paintings, and other locally-inspired wares: “It’s not just about the footy.”
It will also be a case of the haves versus the almost have-nots, with the Austin Wonaeamirri-led Magpies’ chase for a third premiership bolstered by the addition of NTFL Wanderers players Stanley and John Tipiloura.
Imalu, however, will be out to collect their 19th flag from the competition’s 52-year history.
Major player awards will also be presented at half time during the game, including best and fairest winner Dwayne Kerinauia of Tapalinga Superstars and Rising Star in young Magpie Paul Babui.
You can watch a livestream of the match, which starts on 1.30pm, on AFLNT’s YouTube channel and it will be screened on NITV on May 15.
Shannon Rusca returns to Crocs as coach
SOUTHERN Districts premiership coach Shannon Rusca was far from considering a return to senior ranks when the club put the hard word on him at a meeting in recent weeks.
However, Rusca admitted to the NT News it took around three seconds for the proposal to appeal to his competitive instincts — he just had to clear it with his family.
So after two years away from the head job at Fred’s Pass, the dual-premiership player will marshall the Crocs in Premier League this coming season, after his replacement Matt Cannard stepped down last month.
Rusca, who also guided the Crocs to a premiership in 2017/18, quit as coach in April, 2020 after nine seasons in charge – making him the longest-serving Districts coach – believing the club needed fresh ideas and a new voice.
The 2006/07 Nichols medallist said he was happy coaching the club’s Under 12s before the idea was suddenly floated by officials.
“I wasn’t expecting to step back into senior footy,” Rusca said, who has inked a two-year deal “with options”.
He said he didn’t regret his decision to step down two years ago, knowing deep down “it was time”, but there were “always doubts”.
“I was very happy with Matt being in place of me,” he said.
“Otherwise I would have been reluctant to hand it up.
“But you do have doubts when you stop, you think: ‘Maybe I could have kept coaching this group’.
“All in all I was happy to make that decision, it was good to have a refreshing break, I’m reinvigorated and I’m very much excited, as you can probably tell.”
Rusca said he has several big priorities ahead of him: getting more games and development into a raft of youngsters, including Tom Boustead, William Rowlands, Jaxson Breed (“a young kid in a man’s body”) and Brodie Grace.
“The platform was right for me to step back in and give some really good disciplines and basics back to some of the younger kids coming through,” he said.
“I’m only going to continue on the efforts that Matty’s put in place, which have been very good.
“I see some small tweaks that can add some value ... to make them better players, either at Southern Districts or a level higher.”
Not anticipating any major changes to the senior team’s game style, Rusca is also eyeing off 3-4 “utility type players”, preferably from interstate.
“We want everyone to have their homegrown talent stay at their clubs,” he said.
“(We are targeting players) we can use in most parts of the ground, you have to be flexible in Darwin.”
Rusca was also keen to inject some youth into the club’s leadership group: “The captains and leaders that we do have are getting towards the twilight of their careers”.
PINT to become NTFL’s ninth Premier League team
THE NTFL’s Men’s Premier League will have a historic ninth team next season after PINT Football Club was granted promotion this week.
It will mean all nine teams will have two bye rounds in the 2022-23 season.
PINT president Spencer Harvey told the NT News on Thursday it would require a “significant adjustment” for the club, starting with a new coach to be announced over the next fortnight.
However, he said last season’s division one mentor, Sam Dyke, was expected to apply for the role.
“We’ll be advertising for a new coach, hopefully that will go out today, so we can get that appointment locked away as soon as possible,” Harvey said.
“We hope to announce something over the next two weeks.
“We're a few weeks behind than where we’d like to be, it will be a pretty short time frame before announcing something.”
He admitted the club would need to improve its playing stocks with at least 10 new players, aiming for those with experience at Premier League standard or equivalent.
He expected some former PINT players to return who were reluctant to play for extended periods at the club at a level below Premier League.
“We’ll be talking to players from all over Australia to join us for next year," he said.
“We realise we’d need half of our current team, if we can bring in another half on top of that, that would put us in a competitive position.”
He said the club would also need to bring in additional revenue and sponsors for its debut Premier season.
“We’ve got a lot more work from a committee point of view so that we’re sustainable,” he said.
“We also need to get some fresh ideas to come into the club.
“We also need to ensure our women’s team gets all the support they need to be competitive, they’re really keen after not being able to defend their premiership.”
However, Harvey said it was the start of an exciting new era for the club.
“It was a nice feeling once the approval went through, we’re pretty excited about what the future holds for us,” Harvey said.
“(We) can’t wait to take this next step and continue to grow the club.”
AFLNT community football manager Leigh Elder said during the evaluation process, PINT demonstrated it had all the key ingredients to join the Premier League, including a successful pathway from juniors to senior divisions and it had “sustainable resources” to ensure it thrived at a higher level.
“The success of the PINT men over the past few seasons indicates the Premier League side will prove competitive against the other established teams,” Elder said.
“Importantly, the addition of a ninth team into the Premier League also provides the league with greater alignment with other divisions and competitive balance with all teams playing each other twice throughout the season.”
Gold Coast Suns recruiter talks up NT talent
Emerging Wanderers defender Lloyd Johnston has “a lot of AFL traits”, Gold Coast Suns recruiter Kade Nanscawen has told the NT News.
Nanscawen, in Darwin this weekend to cast his eye over the NT Thunder Academy team when it takes on Geelong Falcons at Marrara on Sunday for the Under 18 NAB League, said Johnston was near the top of his list of Territory players to keep an eye on.
The Suns also sent recruiters to the academy’s previous match last Saturday against the Murray Bushrangers in Melbourne, a massive 116-point loss, where Johnston was among the NT’s best.
He said he had been impressed by the 17-year-old’s showing on the wing for the Territory against Woodville-West Torrens in the representative match back in January, while Lachlan Taylor (St Mary’s) also caught his eye.
“Lloyd’s definitely one who has shown a lot of AFL traits in the past,” Nanscawen said.
“He was probably one of the best players last week (against Murray Bushrangers).
“I’m looking to see how Lloyd can build... he’s been very impressive.”
He said he was happy with Johnston’s overall agility and ball movement, which were “very important” qualities for a potential half back role at AFL level.
“He’s got a lot of natural ability... and he can really jump at the footy," he said.
He also singled out NT jets Ned Stevens (Waratah) and Riley Stone (Palmerston) – who had joined the Suns academy – plus Xavier Vallejo (St Mary’s) and Anthony Munkara (Tiwi Bombers).
“He’s on Essendon’s NGA list unfortunately but he's got some tricks, he looks like he’s going to be a special player,” Nanscawen said of Munkara.
He said Stone had shown leadership qualities and was a great addition to the academy.
“He doesn’t stop talking and directing, he’s a really tough player who wears his heart on his sleeve,” he said.
“A tackle machine... just a real inside bull.”
He said Stevens was a “super quick, super agile" forward for his size with a strong defensive mindset, winning several holding-the-ball decisions against Carlton at VFL level on April 10.
“They’re both outstanding young men, they’ve really come on the last few years,” he said.
“It’s going to be exciting to watch them play in a different jumper for the NT.”
Nanscawen said Suns recruiters tried to visit the NT as much as possible, with a particular focus on NTFL finals and representative matches.
“It’s the perfect time to see how they go under the pressure of finals footy,” he said.
“You just never know... somebody could bob up out of nowhere (on Sunday) and be outstanding.”
He also said there was a chance St Mary’s premiership player Dylan Landt could be picked up in the AFL’s controversial mid-season draft.
“We’ve been tracking (him) for a while. We always keep an eye on him, guys like that,” he said.
“With the mid-season draft, that age bracket is really good opportunity for guys like Dylan, and his types, a go at the next level.
“I really like the mid-season draft as a recruiter.”
The academy takes on Geelong Falcons from 10am at TIO Stadium.
Southern Districts on the hunt for a new coach
Southern Districts Football Club hopes to appoint a new senior coach by the end of the month after previous mentor Matt Cannard stepped down recently.
The club said on its Facebook page earlier this month the premiership player and Nichols medallist was pursuing “new ventures” after two seasons in the top job.
Club president Joanne Burgess told the NT News on Wednesday the Crocs had spoken to a couple of candidates but had made an offer to a former NTFL player and coach recently.
However, she would not elaborate further on the candidate’s footballing background.
“We have had preliminary discussions, we have made an offer and we hope to hear back this week,” Burgess said.
“We’ve put an offer on the table.
“We’re hoping to announce something by the end of the month or early next month.”
Burgess said assistant coaching appointments would be made after the successful candidate was announced.
She said Cannard remained “a Croc legend” who had served the club for more than 15 years, winning two best and fairest awards.
“He’s a great player, a legend, a life member and we are very thankful for his determined approach to ensure the junior capacity and the retention of players, local players, has been at the forefront of his mind rather than looking interstate for key position players,” Burgess said.
“Over the past few seasons he has set the baseline, the standard, to ensure… local Crocs players… are able to use their talent and develop that talent to come into the Premier League side.
“His home is at the Crocs, he has his children playing there.
“That’s one of the reasons why we appreciate and understand his decision to step down and focus on them.”
Cannard has been contacted for comment.
The NT Thunder takes on Murray Bushrangers at Under 18 champs
THE Northern Territory’s 31-player squad named for round three of the Under 18 NAB League will include a strong number of footballers who shone at the top level in the NTFL this season.
The NT Thunder Academy will take on Murray Bushrangers on Saturday at Craigieburn’s Highgate Recreation Reserve from 12.30pm.
Before boarding the plane for Melbourne, coach Brent Renouf told the NT News the squad included several youngsters who played in the 2021-22 Men’s Premier League season, including Ned Stevens (six games with Waratah), Riley Stone (four at Palmerston), Xavier Vallejo (six with St Mary’s) and Rising Star Award winner Lloyd Johnston (12 at Wanderers).
Vallejo and Tom Boustead (nine games at Southern Districts), Addison Dohnt (six with Waratah), Jamie Jones (14 games at Nightcliff), Isaiah Baldock (seven for St Mary’s), Ethan Bowden (three at St Mary’s) and Petros Politis (seven at Nightcliff) were also nominated for the award this season.
Renouf said the team would be complemented by a couple of later additions, including Tiwi Bombers young gun Anthony Munkara for round four, and Tennant Creek’s Stanley Waistcoast.
“It’s exciting for them. The standard of footy (will be high) we’re going into the premier under 18 comp in Australia, a great opportunity for them to match it with those guys there,” Renouf said.
“Get a look at the standard they need to get to.”
He said the squad would be bolstered by NT players already down south at boarding school including William Rowlands in South Australia.
“We trust they’re in a good footy program when we bring them into the team,” he said.
They will also be competing against some Territory exports, including Alwyn Davey Junior at Oakleigh Chargers.
Renouf said the captain would be chosen from a player poll when the team arrived in Melbourne later today.
Full squad:
Elijah Williams, Ross Green, Tom Demamiel, Xavier Vallejo, William Rowlands, Tom Boustead, Taj Stanley, Brodie Grace, Deekyn Finnamore, Addison Dohnt, Taylem Stubbs-Talbot, Max Duffell, Cooper Best, Jai Jeffrey, Jamie Jones, Isaiah Baldock, Riley Stone, Noah Zimmerman-Nolan, Charlie Finn Arthur, Ned Stevens, Kobe Hodges, Ethan Bowden (emergency), Beau D’Mello (emergency), Robert Mekonnen-Rabo (emergency).
The Territory to host three AFL games this season
Darwin’s TIO Stadium will host back-to-back Gold Coast Suns matches for the first time, starting next month.
The Suns will take on Hawthorn at Marrara on May 28 at 7.10pm local time in round 11 and then North Melbourne, also at TIO, on June 4 at 4.05pm for the Doug Nicholls Round.
The AFL’s executive general manager of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld said it was great to see footy return to the Territory.
“We have a growing membership and fanbase in the Northern Territory and know everyone up
there has been waiting for footy to return to the region,” Auld said.
“We are thrilled to be able to return to the Northern Territory after last year’s disruptions.
“We recognise how important football is to the Northern Territory community, so it is exciting to have back-to-back matches in Darwin.”
Suns chief executive Mark Evans said the club was “incredibly excited” to play two home games in Darwin this season.
“We know the local community are super passionate and absolutely love their footy in the NT so hopefully we can see as many people as possible come out to support the Suns,” Evans said.
However, a third AFL match will be scheduled for later in the year at Alice Springs’ Traeger Park between Melbourne and Port Adelaide, with details to be released soon.
Major Events Minister Natasha Fyles said two Saturday night games in a row on free to air television was a “great result” for the Territory’s exposure.
She said Darwin hosting an AFL game for Sir Doug Nicholls Round was also perfect timing.
“There could not be a better combination,” Minister Fyles said.
“We also see AFL returning to the Red Centre after a hiatus due to Covid last year.
“Red Centre footy fans are some of the most enthusiastic fans around, so it’s great they will be able to enjoy live, professional AFL in their region.”
Suns player Sean Lemmens said the team were excited about heading back to Darwin and playing back-to-back games up in the Top End for the first time.
“It’s a special experience for myself and the other Indigenous players to be able to represent the Suns during Sir Doug Nicholls Round, and even more special to be able to do that in Darwin,” Lemmens said.
Tickets for the round 11 will be on sale at ticketmaster.com.au from next week and round 12 at a later date.
Tiger defender inducted into Richmond’s hall of fame
Fifty-five years of connection between an AFL superpower and a proud Territory family was strengthened further with one simple phone call.
Former Tigers defender Joel Bowden was enjoying lunch with his family when his phone lit up with club president Peggy O’Neal’s name on the screen.
With the Bowden family set to travel down south for a tribute lunch for his late father Michael later in the week – another “wonderful gift” from the club to help celebrate his life – the canny left-footer had been “preparing emotionally” for the big trip.
Turns out, Bowden – who effectively changed the game’s rules more than a decade ago with his ruthlessly clever use of handball across the field’s deepest defensive line – was the Tigers’ latest Hall of Fame inductee.
“I was a bit overwhelmed, initially,” Bowden told NT News.
“We’d all been preparing for this weekend.
“Now to throw this into the mix is another wonderful experience, another gift from the football club to our family.
“I feel as if this is a recognition of 50 years of involvement with the Richmond Football Club from the Bowden family.”
In truth, it extends a few years beyond that.
In 1967, Michael trained down at Punt Road for the first time.
Making his debut in round eight of that season, it would be the first of 355 senior games that Michael and his sons Joel, Sean and Patrick would play in yellow and black in total.
Sadly, Michael died at the age of 73 from Motor Neurone Disease in early April, 2020.
Like most that year, his funeral was a small affair due to Covid protocols, and only 10 Bowdens could attend.
“We didn’t have a funeral like normal,” Joel said.
“Within the big Bowden family it was the direct siblings and we decided each one of us would take one of our children.
“It was a very surreal experience to have a funeral in a church (so empty).”
For Joel, however, it feels like his entire family is being inducted into the hall of fame, spiritually and physically linked to a club for more than five decades through “a bit of luck... and good management”.
Joel said no singular memory stands out from his 14-year playing career which began at 17 years of age.
“It all moulds into one, that’s my greatest memory,” he said.
“I had a life there… that was unparalleled and unsurpassed in experience, and opportunity and enjoyment, friendship, camaraderie, community and family as the number one.
“I loved every moment… I was just happy to be there and be part of it.
“Getting a game every week was just amazing.”
While Joel’s playing career was relatively turbulent – he had five coaches in his 14 years – he felt no envy watching the Tigers’ recent success on grand final day, only pride.
“(2019 was) the most enjoyable game of football I’ve ever watched,” he said.
Joel Bowden was inducted into the Richmond Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Chris Johnson opens up about being racially abused
THREE-time AFL premiership player and former NT Thunder programs manager Chris Johnson said Cyril Rioli had shown “great leadership” by leaving Hawthorn four years ago after president Jeff Kennett upset his partner with comments about her attire.
It was recently reported Mr Kennett’s comments at Launceston Airport – about Shannyn Ah Sam-Rioli’s choice of jeans – which led to Rioli retiring from the code at just 28 years of age in 2018.
Mr Kennett later apologised for his comments.
Johnson said it was “disappointing” those words came out of a president’s mouth and Cyril showed strength of character by supporting his partner and ultimately leaving the club.
“She didn’t feel comfortable in the environment that she was in,” Johnson said on the ABC.
“(It was) strong leadership and showed great courage by Cyril to stand by his wife.
“Cyril showed great leadership.”
He said Hawthorn had a “lot of things... (it needs) to look at and reassess” over the incident.
“It’s lost a champion,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter how flippant the comment was.
“As Indigenous people we all get confronted with this at some time.
“If it’s hurt somebody’s feeling, it’s hurt their feelings… it’s not an over-reaction at all (to leave).”
However, he said the AFL had come a long way over the past few decades, especially with the implementation of indigenous welfare officers at clubs.
“In the past players had to deal with (racism) on their own,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johnson said he had dealt with “a lot” of racism during his playing days but mostly at a local level, playing for Jacana and Avondale Heights in the Essendon District Football League.
“Certainly, there was a lot of stuff,” he said.
“Not so much out on the field.
“Within the AFL I didn’t really see it a lot, but in terms of local football, I saw it a lot.”
Johnson told NT News he was subjected to one instance of racial abuse at AFL level while playing with Fitzroy before joining Brisbane for the 1996 season, but declined to go into further details.
“That person knows who they are,” he said.
“I’d rather them come forward and say something than me, that would be a lot more powerful.”
Johnson, who played for Southern Districts in the 2009-10 NTFL season, said he did not encounter any racial abuse during this time.
In a statement, the club said “racism in all shapes and forms is unacceptable” and apologised for Rioli’s experiences at the club.
“We are committed to reconciliation and ensuring our First Nations players are culturally safe and have a voice that is both listened to and acted upon,” it read.
“Our doors will always be open to Cyril.”
Tiger becomes a Pie in shock move
In a shock move, Nightcliff’s two-time NTFL premiership captain Phillip Wills has switched to Palmerston to take on a new playing and coaching role — and he’s bringing a secret weapon with him.
The Mapgies announced earlier this week the three-time premiership player and Nichols medallist was defecting to Cazalys Arena as a Men’s Premier League player and assistant coach, after finding the “next transition” in his footballing journey.
Wills told NT News he was looking for a new challenge after 232 League matches and four best and fairest awards, from spells at both Nightcliff and Darwin Buffaloes.
“That’s the whole point of it, I need that new challenge,” Wills said, who was excited to be joining a “proud Territory club”.
“I love a challenge and love seeing growth.
“I hope I can implement what I’ve learned over the years. A lot of little things, a lot of big things.”
Wills’ grand plan is to play a few more seasons at Palmerston before transitioning fully into coaching ranks.
He said Nightcliff were “a little bit disappointed” with his exit but ultimately happy he was bravely pursuing the next step in his career.
“(But) I’m not going to poach any players. It was a hard decision but the right one to make,” he said.
However, Wills will bring one Tiger along the Stuart Hwy, his father Nathan, who has been a Nightcliff defensive coach for the past four years and was likely to take on a “behind the scenes” role.
“My dad has always been part of my footy journey,” he said.
“He wants to help out where he can.”
Wills said the idea of joining Palmerston began to crystallise after the NTFL grand final, having talks with key Magpie Alwyn Davey.
“I knew there was an opportunity (at Palmerston),” he said, admiring the direction and approach of head coach Josh Heath.
“I really liked the idea of what he’s trying to do, turn the club around and getting it back to where it should be.
“It’s not a quick change, it’s a slow build.”
His move was underpinned by a commitment to growth, both his own and his club’s.
“I hope I can bring high standards while creating that environment where players want to get better,” he said.
“I love helping people... seeing that growth in people, players and the club as a whole.”
Wills ultimately thought he had done all he could with Nightcliff and the big switch was a way of giving back to the NTFL, by heading to a club which was anchored to the bottom of the ladder in 2021-22 with just four wins.
“They’re got some good players and some kids that I reckon I can help,” he said.
“You want to try and learn as much as you can.
“I know I can’t just stop playing footy and having nothing to do with it.”
Also making the switch easier was the knowledge his partner Katie had grown up a Magpie and her father Michael is a life member.
PINT’s push for the big league gathers pace
PINT Football Club’s application to join the Men’s Premier League competition next season won’t be decided upon for at least a month, AFLNT says
Greenants president Spencer Harvey declared his club was ready and waiting for promotion from Division One at its presentation night on Saturday at Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
However, Harvey said the 40-year-old Greenants still had a “bit of work to do’’ before becoming the NTFL’s ninth Premier League club.
“But that’s our aim, to have a Premier League team for next season (2022-23),’’ Harvey said.
“We’ve got a bit of work to do with the AFLNT before it all kicks off, but hopefully we can make an announcement at the end of April once we’re given the seal of approval by the league.’’
Harvey said the jump to Premier League had been ‘’building for a while’’ with the constant dialogue between his club and the league hopefully pointing to a positive April decision.
“We introduced a women’s side seven years ago and juniors four years ago, both of which went well so we thought the time was right to see if we could complement our Women’s Premier League team with a men’s side,’’ he said.
“Our talks with the league have been very constructive, they’ve been through the whole journey with us and have been very supportive.
“Now it’s a matter of ticking off a couple more issues and we should be ready for an announcement.’’
Harvey also said PINT’s green and gold colours would not clash with St Mary’s green and gold jumper if a move to the Premier League became a reality.
“We’ve played against each other for the last 12 years in the NTFL and our women have done it, so there’s plenty of room for two green and gold teams in Darwin footy,’’ he said.
A league spokeswoman said the club had submitted a request to join the Premier competition.
“The 2021/22 season review is underway and a decision on the future competition structure will be made in the coming months,” the spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, PINT has named its best men’s side from 40 years of competing in the former NT Football Association and the NTFL.
Matthew Gill was named coach, Wayne Worden and Dennis Lew Fatt assistant coaches,
popular clubman Paul “Spud’’ Allen captain and ruckman Charlie Smith his vice-captain.
B: Brad Burge, Alan Meginess, Ross Billias
HB: Rob Kensey, Callum Crook, Paul Allen (c)
C: David Carroll, Terry Scholz, Peter Hargraves
HF: Peter Geier, Billy Lovel, Matthew Ryan
F: Steven Malseed, Paul Bussenchutt, John Chester
Foll: Charlie Smith (vc), Travis Edwards, Matthew Gill
Interchange: Phil DeSouza, Rick Nolan, Wayne Worden, Scott Bourne, Leon Peacock, Brian Cocks.
Close to 40 Men’s and Women’s Premier League players playing interstate this winter
Nearly 40 Men’s and Women’s Premier players who graced the turf in season 2021-22 will jet interstate to ply their trade in state leagues this winter, across Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland.
They include a raft of Covid top up players, including Waratah’s James Munro (Melbourne), Joel Crocker (Gold Coast) to Darwin Buffaloes ruck star Ben Archard (Essendon).
A strong number of female players will also turn out for VFLW clubs, including Nightcliff captain Eliza Morrison for the Western Bulldogs and Bella Clarke at Essendon.
The NT News will keep an eye on these players over the coming season, and other sports stars, with our Territory Tracker.
SEE WHO IS GOING WHERE:
Nightcliff:
Jasmine Ware – Carlton VFLW.
Eliza Morrison – Western Bulldogs VFLW.
Cassie McWilliam – Williamstown VFLW.
Matisse Hunter – Williamstown VFLW.
Rhiannon Busch – Collingwood VFLW.
Southern Districts:
Bella Clarke – Essendon VFLW.
Grace Whittaker – Norwood SANFLW
Grace Mulvahil – Norwood SANFLW
Kiyanah Toy – Maroochydore QAFLW
Chloe Gallio – Maroochydore QAFLW
PINT:
Reni Hicks – North Melbourne VFLW
Darwin Buffettes:
Dom Carbone – Hawthorn VFLW.
Wanderers:
Women’s coach David Totham said the Eagles had spoken to several state league clubs about possible signings with nothing officially confirmed.
Waratah:
Silvana Goldbach-Eggert – University of Queensland QAFLW
St Mary’s:
Eliza Shannon – Hawthorn VFLW
Tracy Village:
No players heading to state leagues.
Palmerston Football Club has been contacted for comment.
MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE
Waratah
Brodie Carroll – Peel Thunder WAFL.
William Collis – Sydney VFL, Sydney Covid top up.
Adam Gulden – Sydney VFL, Sydney Covid top up.
James Munro – Casey Demons, Melbourne Covid top up.
Joel Crocker – Southport, Gold Coast Suns Covid top up.
Ned Stevens – Gold Coast Academy, Gold Coast top up.
Jayden Magro – Lauderdale (Tasmanian State League).
Darwin Buffaloes
Ben Archard – Essendon VFL and Essendon Covid top up.
Cade Abala – South Fremantle WAFL.
Max Kennedy – Collingwood VFL, Collingwood Covid top up.
Nathaniel Cooper – GWS VFL.
Goy Lok – Sandringham VFL, St Kilda top up.
Palmerston
Neville Jetta – Collingwood VFL, Collingwood Covid top up.
Luke Meadows – West Perth WAFL, West Coast top up
Riley Stone – Gold Coast Academy, Gold Coast top up.
Lennon Marlin – West Perth WAFL.
Rudy Riddoch - West Perth WAFL.
St Mary’s
Dylan Landt – Essendon VFL, Essendon Covid top up
Nigel Lockyer – North Adelaide SANFL.
Tyson Woods – North Adelaide SANFL.
Lachlan Taylor – South Fremantle WAFL.
Nightcliff
Tom North – Carlton VFL, Carlton Covid top up.
Wade Derksen – Peel Thunder WAFL, Fremantle top up.
Jamie Jones – Central District SANFL.
Kyle Emery – South Adelaide SANFL.
Tiwi Bombers
Kim Kantilla – South Adelaide
Southern Districts
Crocs president Joanne Burgess was not aware of any players going to a state league.
Wanderers
Eagles coach Aaon Motlop said no players were heading to state leagues this winter.
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