Hellenic AC founding member remebered, Ava Cottle selected in Team Australia
From the loss of a football pioneer to an Australian call-up and a record defeat, we take a look at the Territory sports stories you may have missed.
The NT News sports team continues to highlight the achievements of the Territory’s unsung athletes and sports news you might have missed.
In this new edition of Sports Shorts we have stories from football, netball, pony club and rodeo.
LOSS OF A LEGEND
The Territory has lost a legend of the game.
A legend of football in the Top End Mr Stavros Politis peacefully passed away at the age of 94 last week in Kalymnos, Greece.
A founding member of Hellenic Football Club and former player he was also a huge pillar of the community.
Mr Politis worked at Sutton’s Motors, ran Shell Airport Gates, then a petrol station opposite Bridge Autos before owning BP Bagot Road – before retiring to Greece.
Mr Politis’ passing has been met with an outpouring of grief across social media.
Hellenic paid tribute to their founding member on Facebook posting the following:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Stavros Politis, one of the founding members of Hellenic Athletic Club.
“His contribution to the establishment and early development of the club laid the foundation for what Hellenic represents today.
“On behalf of the Hellenic Athletic Club community, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Politis family during this difficult time.
“May his memory be eternal.”
The Greek Orthodox Community North Australia (GOCNA), who ‘represent the Greek people of Darwin and greater Northern Territory’ also posted a tribute to Mr Politis on its page that said:
“On behalf of the Greek Orthodox Community NT, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Politis family during this difficult time.
“May his memory be eternal.”
Elsewhere, many people within the community shared their grief and fond memories of Mr Politis.
Below are a handful of the comments:
Vakina Pergaris – “I was saddened to hear the news of Thio Stavro’s passing yesterday. He had been in my family’s life for as long as I can remember. A beautiful man and a dear friend to my parents and family, the life of a party and was content with good company a whiskey and a singing companion, which my father was always happy to oblige. May he rest in eternal peace and I sincerely hope he’s up there sitting around a table with dad and co singing all the old songs they loved so much. Sending love to all the Politis family and especially to the beautiful Thia Iren.”
Michael Pikos – “One of the best. Thio Stavro took my parents and their 1yr old (my brother) in when they first got married. He was a true gentleman and he will be missed by everyone in the Pikos family.”
Helen Smith – “Condolences to Michael, Johnny and all the family. He was a great man and a good friend to St Mary’s Football Club. The boys always looked after me when I went to BP Bagot. RIP Stavros. Regards Helen Smith.”
Kim B Osheasmiley – “Very sad news, sincere sympathies to the Politis families. Stavros certainly left an imprint on Darwin … RIP.”
Kathy Kastellorizios – “Wow another beautiful soul has passed away. God rest your soul Thio Stavros I remember you so well he was a lovely person and will be sadly missed. Very good friends with my dad and mum.”
Jen Jen – “One of the pioneers of the Greek community in Darwin. He has left a wonderful legacy for his family. May his memory be eternal.”
Nicholas Papandonakis – “As a young child my vivid memory of theo Steve and thea Irini was him walking in to the Greek hall, arms raised, fingers clicking … straight on to the dance floor to dance all night.”
Sue Allen – “Deepest condolences to you Georgia and all the Politis family. A life well lived. How beautiful that Stavros was able to spend his final years in his beloved Kalymnos.”
RECORD DEFEAT
It was a night to forget for Football NT’s Darwin Olympic in the first round of the Australia Cup against the competition’s lowest ranked team.
At home against Nunawading City (Aus Cup debut), Olympic were outmatched and outclassed across the park.
Nunawading got themselves on the board almost instantly with a goal in the third minute.
Nunawading scored their second in the 16th, and their third in the 24th via a penalty before
Olympic’s Nepalese international recruit Abhishek Rijal was shown a straight red in the 28th.
Down to 10 players for the remaining 2/3 of the clash, City scored a fourth in the 36th, a fifth in the 39th and a six in the 45th to take a 6-0 lead into the half.
Nunawading netted a further three goals in the second to seal the largest margin of victory in the Cup – in the modern era.
Making the result more unwanted for Darwin – a second tier club – is their opponent’s standing in the game.
From Melbourne, Nunawading currently compete in Victoria’s fourth division in NPL Victoria 3.
Making matters worse, City are in the midst of a four way relegation battle, having a bludger 2025 campaign.
COACH ANNOUNCEMENT
Michelle Kerrin has been announced as the new coach of the Territory’s First Nations side.
A proud Arrernte and Luritja woman who co-coached the side during last year’s inaugural First Nations Tournament, will be going solo this year.
Netball NT said the following on Facebook about her appointment:
“ (Kerrin will) lead the team solo this year – bringing experience, leadership, and a deep connection to community.
“A valued member of the Territory Storm team that competed in the SSN Reserve Finals just last month, Michelle continues to inspire both on and off the court.
“She’s a passionate advocate for First Nations players and a driving force in growing the game across the NT.”
NT TO THE UK
Darwin Horse & Pony Club’s own Ava Cottle is headed to the United Kingdom as part of Team Australia at the International Mounted Games Exchange.
In the saddle since she was four, Cottle is a dedicated Pony Club member who has proudly represented her club, often taking on the challenge of riding unfamiliar horses.
Selected in a team of five Cottle and the team will kick off this weekend in Yorkshire and culminating in the international competition at the JCB Pony Club Championships on 10 August.
KATHERINE SHOW RODEO WINNERS
The 2025 Katherine Show Rodeo has been run and won with a number of well-known names and up and coming juniors impressing the crowds.
Below is a list of winners from the night’s action:
– Sam Carman Memorial Sportsmanship Award: Harry Bader
– Open Bull Ride: 1st) Toby Daley 161pts, 2nd) Jed Farrington 71pts, 3rd) Chase Townsend 69pts
– Open Saddle Bronc: 1st) Riley Quinn 75pts, 2nd) Hugh Bellingham 66pts
– Open Bareback: 1st) Lance Bedford 75pts, 2nd) Chase Bedford 70pts, 3rd) Kit Le Lievre 68pts
– Open Ladies Barrel Race: 1st) Olivia Priester & Cruise 17.236s, 2nd) Katelyn Simpson & Smart Little Charger 17.373s, 3rd) Alicia Corbett & SKS Kitten 17.448s
– Novice Bull Ride: 1st) Andy Bedford 77pts, 2nd) Jed Farrington 68pts
– Novice Saddle Bronc: 1st) Riley Quinn 63pts, 2nd) Caspar Milbank 61pts, =3rd) Ryan Fogarty 58pts and Jackson Steer 58pts
– Junior Bull Ride: 1st) Sam Brown 68pts, 2nd) Zane Ellis 63pts, 3rd) Krshawn Petrevski 62pts
– Junior Barrel Race: 1st) Mia Carey & Blue 17.00s, 2nd) Tiana Abbott & TJ 17.926s, 3rd) Elle Gorman & Cuppa 19.422s
– Juvenile Barrel Race: 1st) Lilly Skyring & Muzzy 17.856s, 2nd) Marni Tapp & Big Hammer 18.561s, 3rd) Hayley Foss & Big Boots 18.608s
– Junior Mini Bulls (8–11): 1st) Tate Carey, 2nd) Rory Harries, 3rd) Archie Whitehouse
– Junior Mini Bulls (12–14): 1st) Jack Jones, 2nd) Benji Bethel, 3rd) Mac Harries
– Steer Ride (11–14): 1st) Benji Bethel 54pts, 2nd) John Whitehouse 51pts
July 16, 2025
PACIFIC CHAMPION
Ethan Krelle from the Nightcliff Tigers Netball Club has made history.
The teenager was a member of the Men’s 17 and Under Australian side that recently won the Pacific Horizon Cup. Played in Melbourne, the Aussies won a best of three series 3-0 against their opponents from New Zealand.
“Ethan played a key role in the green and gold’s undefeated run, and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievements,” a post on Nightcliff NC’s Facebook page read.
“To represent your country is one thing, to bring home the championship trophy is something else entirely.
“We can’t wait to see what’s next for this superstar.”
AUSTRALIA’S BEST
One of the Territory’s brightest sporting stars Joseph White further cemented his legacy as one of the nation’s best squash players.
The 27-year-old Australian representative took out another Australian National Championship title last month, making it two titles on the trot.
The number 1 seed, White won all four of his matches, dropping just the one game for a near perfect 12-1 record.
White won his second title in imperious fashion, downing Queenslander David Turner 3-0 in a 11-6, 11-7, 11-2 result.
LEGEND STATUS
Territory footballing legend Maurice Rioli Sr. has been inducted into the Richmond Tigers Hall of Fame.
The Melville Island talent became the 72nd inductee into the hall, honoured for his six seasons at the club.
Rioli Sr. played 118 games for the Tigers between 1982-87, kicking 80 goals, won two Jack Dyer Medals and became the first and only player to be awarded the Norm Smith from a losing side in the Tigers’ 1982 grand final loss to the Blues.
An eight time NT representative, five time captain and St Mary’s alum, Rioli Snr’s legacy lives on through his son Maurice Rioli Jr. who proudly dons the same number 17 as his father for the Tigers and nephew and (former) three-time premiership Tiger Daniel Rioli who is set to play his 200th AFL game this weekend.
GOLF CHAMPIONS
The 2025 NT Classic Championships has been run and won with a Territorian and Queenslander taking out the top spots.
An annual event held at Darwin Golf Club, the Classic is a Golf Australia Order of Merit (Senior & Junior), an NT State Order of Merit (Open & Junior) and an R & A World Amateur Ranking Event contested across 36 Holes.
Katherine Golf Club’s Malcolm Roney was too hot to handle in the Men’s, securing victory in the 82 player field with a -7 result while Burleigh/Darwin Golf Club’s Abrielle Dellow took out first place in the Women’s, finishing +13 in the 21 player field.
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