The Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) is proud to host Indigenous Round during Round 7 of the 2024/25 TIO NTFL season. This special round will celebrate the significant and enduring contributions Indigenous people have had and continue to have within the TIO NTFL competition.
As part of the celebrations, TIO NTFL clubs will wear specially designed guernseys featuring unique Indigenous artwork and designs. Goal umpires will also use Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, while Welcome to Country ceremonies will take place throughout the weekend.
A highlight of the round is the Nungalinya Cup clash between the Wanderers Football Club and Darwin Buffaloes. The Men’s Premier League match will take place on Friday night, followed by the Women’s Premier League match on Saturday afternoon, both at Gardens Oval.
The term ‘Nungalinya’ is the place where the Larrakia spirit comes from the earth and goes into mothers’ bellies and life for the Larrakia commences. It is described as the beginning and the end, where the spirit returns after life. The club's connection through the community for over 100 years has made it a staple in yearly fixture.
Meanwhile, at TIO Stadium, the Maurice Rioli Cup will be contested between the Tiwi Bombers and Waratah. With his involvement, in both Waratah and the Tiwi Bombers, the Maurice Rioli Cup is a significant clash for both sides to pay tribute to Maurice, who has had not only an impact on both clubs as an icon on the Tiwi Islands playing 118 games for Richmond but also playing and coaching at Waratah.
Waratah Women’s Premier League player Joline Bouwer, spoke about the excitement of playing for the Maurice Rioli Cup: “It’s an honour to play for the Maurice Rioli Cup this weekend. As a Tiwi woman, it’s quite exciting to wear the Waratah guernsey and be a step closer to home.”
Tiwi Bombers Men’s Premier League Head Coach Patrick Bowden reflected on Maurice Rioli’s impact on Indigenous footballers: “Maurice Rioli was a trailblazer for Indigenous footballers, especially those from the Tiwi Islands. It’s a great honour for our club to represent his legacy, and we’re looking forward to doing our best on the day.”
Wanderers Women’s Premier League player Ivana Schober highlighted the club’s strong Larrakia presence: “Wanderers have a deep Larrakia connection within our club. Our players, both men and women, are determined to put on their best performance and win the Nungalinya Cup.”
Men’s Premier League player Timothy Eldridge, shared the personal significance of the Nungalinya Cup: “As a Larrakia man, it’s incredibly special to represent my people. To play on my own land means a lot to me, my family, and the Buffaloes community.”
The full fixture for the 2024/25 TIO NTFL Indigenous Round can be viewed via PlayHQ. Selected Men’s Premier League and Women’s Premier League matches will be streamed live via The NT News.