Tapalinga and Imalu have etched their names into Tiwi Islands Football League history, securing premiership success as the 2026 season concluded before a packed crowd at Wurrumiyanga Oval.
In the women's Grand Final, Tapalinga completed a remarkable premiership run from fourth on the ladder, overcoming Jikilarruwu 8.10 (58) to 5.3 (33).
Marjorie Dunn gave the Superstars the ideal start with the opening goal of the match before Isla Cunningham responded for Jikilarruwu, leaving the scores level at quarter-time.
Despite dominating territory early in the second term, Tapalinga struggled to convert until Miley Cunningham finally broke through five minutes into the quarter. Jikilarruwu's Ella Puruntatameri answered soon after to reduce the margin to just three points, but the Superstars regained control through Isabella Kerinaiua, who's major helped establish a 10-point lead at the main break.
Tapalinga extended its advantage within seconds of the third quarter commencing, with Timaya Cunningham pushing the margin to 16 points. Jikilarruwu showed signs of a fightback and created several scoring opportunities, but costly misses proved damaging as Maria Tipuamantamirri and Ingred Cunningham helped the Superstars open up a 19-point buffer by the final change.
Any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished in the final quarter when Joanna Tipungwuti and Cecilia Puruntatameri added crucial goals, sealing a memorable 25-point victory.
Tapalinga's Isabella Kerinaiua was awarded Best on Ground honours in recognition for her efforts. The 13-year-old was a constant presence around the contest, collecting plenty of possessions and hitting the scoreboard with a goal in a standout performance. Fresh off claiming the 2026 Rising Star award, Kerinaiua continued her remarkable season, underlining her status as one of the league's brightest prospects and a key figure in Tapalinga's success.
The men's Grand Final saw Imalu secure back-to-back premierships, completing an outstanding season with a 75-50 victory over Ranku.
The contest lived up to expectations early, with end-to-end football and plenty of intensity around the ball. Imalu vice-captain Tristan Lippo opened the scoring before Ranku's Patrick Cook responded with a superb set shot from 50 metres. Eagle Salvani Babui then put Ranku in front after a strong contested mark, but Dale Cunningham's late major ensured Imalu led at the first break.
Neither side was able to gain full control during a closely fought second term. Nathias Bourke-Miller and Mathias Kantilla traded goals within the space of a minute before Imalu's Bruce Oxtoby converted from a free kick to extend the Tigers' lead to 12 points at half-time.
The third quarter proved decisive. Fresh from claiming the 2026 TIFL Men's Best and Fairest award, Tristan Lippo kicked two goals in the space of a minute as Imalu surged clear. Dale Cunningham added another major as the Tigers stretched their advantage to 24 points heading into the final term.
Ranku launched one final challenge through Roy Kantilla and John Timapuatua early in the fourth quarter, but Lippo again steadied his side before John McLennen added the finishing touches, helping Imalu run away with a 25-point victory.
Brayden Rioli was awarded the Brother Pye Medal after an influential display through the midfield, where he played a pivotal role in creating Imalu's scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
Both Grand Final replays can be viewed via the AFLNT Youtube Channel.