The coach of an under siege Northern Territory AFL club says playing footy has meant the difference between life and death for many kids in a remote Aboriginal island community north of Darwin.
The debt-ridden Tiwi Bombers had threatened not to play the last two rounds of the season after sponsors pulled out, but coach Wayne Worden now says they're determined to finish it off.
"The Tiwi Islands had the worst youth suicide rate in the world per head to population. Since the Tiwi Bombers were formed 10 years ago it's halved," he told AAP.
"That's something a lot of people forget, especially AFLNT... a kid's life is worth way more than $10,000."
The bottom side in the league finally broke their drought with a win last week, only to have its points stripped on Thursday because of an unpaid debt of more than $10,000 owed to the AFLNT.
The club's leaders are furious the AFLNT publicised its financial woes, causing sponsors to withdraw support including transport from the Tiwis and accommodation in Darwin for Saturday's clash against the equal third-placed Wanderers.
The Bombers joined the league in 2006 to allow players from Bathurst and Melville Islands to compete without being forced to relocate to the mainland.
It was inspirational for a community struggling with serious social problems including the highest suicide rate in the country and drug abuse.
The islands have produced AFL greats including Michael Long and Dean Rioli of Essendon, and Maurice Rioli of Richmond.
The young team faces unique challenges in having to fly or ferry to Darwin most weekends for games, and even training is tough.
Players come from three communities spread over two islands which cover 8,000 square kilometres, and road access is often cut off in the wet season.
"It's a logistical nightmare," Mr Worden said.
"They have to drive for hours just to get to the ferry, on the roughest roads you've seen."
Following a meeting on Friday with the Bombers, the AFLNT has now offered to help the team with transport and accommodation for the final two games of the season.
Mr Worden is determined to turn the club's finances around to allow the players to compete next season.
He says an urgent cash injection from AFL club Essendon and backing from Victorian country clubs would ensure the club's future.
