Under a blazing Kimberley sun, more than a hundred students ran barefoot across the sands of Broome's Cable Beach on for this year Kimberley 9s - a two-day celebration of the popularity of AFL across the region's youth.
The successful program is run through a partnership between the Fremantle Football Club and WA Police.
Teams travelled from as far as Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing and Balgo to take part in the AFL-style carnival, which aims to boost school attendance, improve wellbeing and strengthen relationships between police and Aboriginal youth.
Fremantle Dockers players born and bred Broome local Bailey Banfield , Michael Frederick and Holly Egan joined the games, running workshops and mentoring students throughout the weekend.
"It's amazing to see so many great partners coming on board," Mr Banfield and said.
"It really is many hands make light work, and it's all about giving these young people the best experience possible and having the biggest impact that we can, which is why everyone loves being involved," he said.
"I was so excited to get back up to Broome for the carnival and to work with the crew up there. It's great to see the program continuing to get bigger and better every year."
This year's carnival also featured Caring for Country workshops led by Containers for Change, where students learned about recycling, sustainability and environmental care through hands-on activities.
Behind the scenes, Kimberley Regional Service Providers managed the on-ground logistics, while the Shire of Broome contributed funding and infrastructure support.
New backer Kimberley Marine Support Base joined long-time supporters including Programmed, the Goodeve Foundation, the Paz Family and the Scott Bader Group.
A Fremantle Dockers spokesperson said the carnival had evolved far beyond football.
"It's about connection - between young people, communities and culture. Every year it reminds us what can be achieved when everyone works together," they said.
"For many students, that sense of connection - playing alongside AFL heroes on their own Country - was the real highlight of the weekend."
