AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT) proudly celebrates Tiwi Islands and Northern Territory football legend David Kantilla, who has been officially inducted into the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Hall of Fame.
His induction was announced at the prestigious 2025 SANFL Magarey Medal gala event on Monday night, with his nephews Ron and Rupert Pupangamirri proudly accepting the honour on behalf of their late uncle. The recognition cements Kantilla’s extraordinary legacy as a trailblazer for Territory and First Nations footballers on the national stage.
Born on Bathurst Island, Kantilla’s football journey began with St Mary’s Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL). His outstanding talent soon saw him recruited to South Australia, where he made history as the first Indigenous Australian to play in the SANFL, joining the South Adelaide Panthers.
Kantilla’s impact was immediate. Between 1961 and 1966, he played 113 games and kicked 106 goals, establishing himself as a powerful ruckman and a key figure in South Adelaide’s success. He was a member of the club’s 1964 premiership team, while also enjoying success back home in the Territory with four NTFL premierships for St Mary’s.
His remarkable career was decorated with individual honours: winning back-to-back best and fairest awards (Knuckey Cup) in his first two seasons at South Adelaide, finishing runner-up in 1964, and earning recognition as the club’s leading goal kicker in 1961. He also represented South Australia in four state games, further showcasing his dominance on the national stage.
Kantilla’s influence has been acknowledged with numerous accolades over the decades. He became a life member of South Adelaide (1967), was inducted into the South Adelaide Hall of Fame (2004), and was honoured with the David Kantilla Trophy, awarded to South Adelaide’s’ best first-year player. On a national scale, he was named in the AFL Indigenous Team of the Century (2005) and holds legend status in the NTFL Hall of Fame. He was also selected as Vice-Captain of the NTFL Team of the Century, cementing his place among the game’s greats.
The SANFL Hall of Fame induction further recognises Kantilla as a trailblazer and pioneer, whose success paved the way for generations of Indigenous footballers. His legacy continues to inspire players from the Tiwi Islands, the Northern Territory, and across Australia.
David Kantilla – Career Highlights
Playing Record:
113 games, 106 goals – South Adelaide (1961–1966)
Matches for South Australia:
4 games, 2 goals (1964–1965)
Premierships:
SANFL: South Adelaide premiership (1964)
NTFL: 4 premierships with St Mary’s
Achievements:
South Adelaide Best and Fairest (Knuckey Cup): 1961, 1962
South Adelaide Best and Fairest Runner-Up: 1964
South Adelaide Leading Goal Kicker: 1961
South Adelaide Life Member: 1967
South Adelaide Hall of Fame: 2004
First Indigenous SANFL player to reach 100 games
AFL Indigenous Team of the Century: 2005
“David Kantilla Trophy” – South Adelaide’s Best First-Year Player (named in his honour)
AFL Northern Territory Hall of Fame and Legend status
NTFL Life Member
NTFL Team of the Century (Vice Captain)