DARREN MONCRIEFF
Thursday 26 April 2012
THERE is no denying the talent that is Ross Tungatalum, the gifted midfielder one of the key architects of the Tiwi Bombers' historic NTFL Premier League grand final win in March.
The 21-year-old has now become the first Bombers player to win back-to-back club fairest-and-best awards, polling 153 votes, 45 ahead of second-placed, and the NTFL Premier League's leading goalkicker, Gerard Cunningham (108), at the club's awards presentation in Darwin last Saturday night.
Cunningham went to an early lead in the vote count before surrendering a narrow lead in round 16 to Tungatalum.
When voting continued through the three finals matches Tungatalum surged away to an impressive victory with his grand final performance a highlight of his season.
Defender Dan McLinden finished third on 79 votes, one in front of utility and former award-winner Rupert Pupangamirri.
Tied in fifth position on 76 votes were Donald Mungatopi and Albert Tipungwuti.
Tungatalum's win caps an already decorated career.
He played 16 of the Bombers' 21 matches in season 2011/12 after having to miss four games due to the 25 games per year rule enforced by AFLNT of players contracted with the Territory Thunder.
He has now played 36 NTFL games with the Bombers in two seasons after playing in a senior premiership with St Mary's in the 2008/09 season decider, ironically against the Bombers. He played 25 games for the Saints.
Drafted to St Kilda as a rookie in 2009, the young Tiwi returned to his island home later the next season.
Because of the Thunder game limitation rule, Tungatalum forfeited his contract to be part of the Tiwi Bombers' first premiership.
He had played in both of the Thunder's history-making (NEAFL Northern (vs Morningside) and Southern (vs Ainslie) Conference grand finals in 2011.
For the 2012 southern season, Tungatalum has joined Sydney Hills Eagles and has already performed well.
Voted the NTFL Most Valuable Player by his peers in the past two NTFL seasons adds further to his football CV and highlights Tungatalum's status in both NTFL and Tiwi Bombers history books.
Seventeen of the 22 premiership players were in attendance on the night: four are playing in Victoria and Brad Palipuaminni is in Sydney.
Joining Tungatalum as winners of the Tiwi Bombers fairest-and-best in their short five-year history have been Edward Darcy (2007/08), Simon Munkara (2008/09) and Rupert Pupangamirri (2009/10).
Other award winners on the night were: Albert Tipungwuti (Tapalinga Award, sponsored by Starwin Management), Simon Munkara (Andrew McMillan Yiloga Social Media Award, sponsored by Tiwi Islands Shire), Donnie Mungatopi (Most Committed), Ben McCasker (Best Team Man), Dion Munkara (Most Improved), Cameron Kerinaiua (Rookie of the Yea, sponsored by Alcaston Galleries), Gerard Cunningham (Leading Goalkicker), Rupert Pupangamirri (Best Finals Player), Tex Ritter and Wayne VanSamBeek (Chairmans Volunteer of the Year), Helen Uhe (Supporter of the Year).
In other news at the club, retiring club president Allan McGill said premiership coach Leigh Crossman has indicated his availability for reappointment into the role and that both parties have commenced negotiations.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 26/04/2012 12:27