Former AFL forward Willie Rioli has produced a solid showing in his return to football on the Tiwi Islands.
Rioli was among the Tiwi Bombers' best performers in their 17.23 (125) to 10.10 (70) victory over the Darwin Buffaloes at Stanley Tipiloura Oval in Wurrumiyanga, collecting 15 disposals and kicking two goals in just his second game back at NTFL level.
The result marked Tiwi's second win from five games this season and offered plenty to cheer about for the home faithful.
Rioli's comeback to the NTFL began a week earlier against St Marys - his first Bombers appearance in roughly a decade - where he managed seven disposals and a goal in a quiet return.
Tiwi coach Patrick Bowden told the NT News the timing of Rioli's inclusion could not have been better.
"He will give our players a real boost, which they need," Bowden said.
"He brings that experience, guidance and leadership and when you put that with his football talent then he's going to be fantastic for the whole team.
"I just hope that the young guys can learn from him and that he can use his leadership skills to take us to the next level."
Now based in Darwin, Rioli is expected to feature regularly throughout the NTFL season - a major coup for the Bombers, who have faced a challenging start to their 2025/26 campaign.
With one of the club's favourite sons back in the fold, Tiwi will be hopeful of launching another finals push after bowing out in last season's semi-final.
The electrifying small forward enjoyed a decorated AFL career, highlighted by a 2018 premiership with West Coast, before spending three seasons at Port Adelaide.
Across 109 senior games, he kicked 151 goals and became renowned for his skill, pressure on the opposition defence, and match-winning flair.
Meanwhile, the Davey twins - Alwyn Jr and Jayden - reunited for Palmerston a fortnight ago in their clash against Wanderers at TIO Stadium.
Their arrival of the ex-Essendon duo provides a significant boost for a Magpies outfit still chasing its first win of the season.
In another major NTFL inclusion, Geelong premiership midfielder Brandan Parfitt has been in excellent form since returning to Nightcliff.
The 27-year-old gathered 24 disposals against the Darwin Buffaloes a week ago and followed it up with a best-on-ground 31-touch performance in the Tigers' win over Palmerston last Friday night.
Parfitt's leadership and contested-ball ability were key pillars for Nightcliff last season.
The Larrakia man returns north after a standout 2025 campaign with Perth in the WAFL, where he earned Team of the Year honours.
