It was football fever in the Top End when thousands from across the country spilled into the remote Australian island of Tiwi, just 80 kilometres north of Darwin.
Just one day a year, the country's most remote brand of Australian rules football takes centre stage, where fans get a talent snapshot of some of the nation's most gifted footballers.
Some of the stars who had their beginnings here include Cyril Rioli and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.
After the debut of the women's team, it is hoped the team will become a more permanent fixture of the league. Source: Aneeta Bhole
For the mostly Indigenous population of fewer than 2,500, football is more than a game, it is considered religion.
"Every child who is born here is literally given a football when they are young," said Mary Dunn a board member for the Tiwi Bombers and resident of the island.
"That is footy for us here."
This year the women's team joined the coveted event for the first time in history.
"It is really emotional because it has been a long time coming - trying to push for it for so long," Ms Dunn said.
The Tiwi Islands Football League has been running for 51 years. Source: Supplied/Patakijiyali Museum
"With the men's [competition] it has been 51 years since Tiwi Islands Football League has been running, and 11 years for the Tiwi Bombers. So it's about time we get our women in."
There had been "a lot of emotions" seeing the girls plays, according to Ms Dunn, who added that she would like to see the team get into the league.
"We would love to see some of our young ladies make it to the AFLW, which would be great," she said.
"But the first step is hopefully next season to make the premier league of the women's NTFL season.
"We are almost there. Fingers crossed we get in next season."
Coach of the women’s team Colleen Gwynne said the girls had the same drive as the boys.
Tarlina Tipungwuti (left) and team captain Laelia Dunn (right). Source: Aneeta Bhole
"When the siren goes it is game. The girls don't take a backwards step," said Ms Gwynne.
"They're hard on the ball and very competitive - that's how I want them to be."
Ms Gwynne said it's been a dream to get the girls team going and they are ecstatic to see it go ahead this year.
"It's been a dream of Mary Dunn's. She's seen her family and relatives play in the men's league has always had a dream to see the girls out there," she said.
"Then we got an opportunity this year to play six exhibition games which we've played in Darwin which has seen the girls come over.
"It has been a real test for us to get them over there - and for some it is a game they have never played before.”
Coach of the women's team, Colleen Gwynne, talks strategy with captain Laelia Dunn. Source: Aneeta Bhole
The Tiwi bombers women's team is made up of players from the Tiwi Island communities of Wurrumiyanga, Pirlangimpi and Milikapiti.
The team's captain, Laelia Dunn, said there is nothing better than being on the field.
"It's a massive thing for us, to get the girls to show their skills, to play in front of family and a home crowd," she said.
"Footy is in the people’s blood. It's not only about winning but we have fun, play, showcase our skills and show what Tiwi women can do."
Last year, visitors were banned from coming to the island for the game due to coronavirus precautions.
But with the vaccine rolling out across Australia, restrictions have eased, bringing the island community back to life.
Fellow teammate Tarlina Tipungwuti said she was excited to play the grand final and felt lucky it was during a year people were allowed to visit Tiwi.
"To have tourists here again is great, to showcase our talent. I am so exicted to be here, our Tiwi magic. It's pretty bloody awesome," she said.
"I have been playing since I was 16, I played in Canberra too when I lived down there.
Supporters of the Imalu Tigers. Source: Aneeta Bhole
"To have a Tiwi bombers womens team is amazing. It has been a long time coming."
Ms Tipungwuti hails from Melville Island and said the team doesn't get to always train together.
"Myself and three other girls train together but others train elsewhere," she explained.
"All of us girls are living in different parts of the island so it is difficult for us to get together and train as a team but we have our own space and crew so it is really good."
With the snap closure of the Tiwi borders last year many visitors shared their gratitude they were able to finally make it to see the game.
Walama Bulldogs supporters. Source: Aneeta Bhole
"The first time I was meant to come in 2018, from Alice Springs, it got cancelled because of a cyclone and then last year it was cancelled because of COVID,” said Samantha Wills as she watched from the grandstand.
"So third time lucky, I finally made it and it's been great. I also spent a lot of money at the art sale."
Tom Young said he is new to Australia and the Territory and so being at the game was "very special".
"That's why I wanted to come here," he said.
Spectators arrive to watch the AFL grand final on the Tiwi Islands. Source: Aneeta Bhole
"The culture is also amazing and totally different to anything I have experienced, and the people are really friendly."
The grand final match was a cross-island clash between the Imalu Tigers from Melville Island and Walama Bulldogs out of Bathurst Island.
In a nail-biting battle for the win, the Walama Bulldogs secured a 12-point victory 95 - 83.
As crowds began to fan out of the grounds, the sounds of celebrations echoed through the small community.
