Tiwi have broken Larrakia's four-year winning streak by claiming victory at the 2026 Darwin 9s Australian football tournament.

The Tiwi side defeated Team Greece 9-4 in the Men's Division One grand final at Rugby Park on Saturday, securing its first title at the annual tournament.

Stanley Tipiloura was named best on ground in the decider, while former AFL star Willie Rioli was also prominent throughout the tournament with his trademark skill and clever finishes around goal.

The victory ended Larrakia's strong run at the event after the side had won the previous four Division One titles.

Larrakia entered this year's tournament looking to make it five consecutive championships, but did not qualify for the grand final after suffering losses to both Greece and Tiwi.

The Division One competition also featured New Zealand, with ex-AFL player Jed Anderson and NTFL champion Jarred Ilett lining up for the side.

Larrakia again had plenty of experience within its squad, including former AFL players Daniel Motlop and Marlon Motlop, along with North Melbourne premiership player Shannon Motlop.

Australian Football International CEO Brian Clarke told National Indigenous Times the standard of this year's tournament had reached another level.

"This year's Darwin 9s was easily our best," Clarke said.

"From the quality of the teams, to the standard of the footy and the size of the crowds - it was a sensational tournament."

The Darwin 9s is a shortened version of Australian rules football, with nine players on the field for each team and matches played on a rectangular field.

This year's event was again played as a one-day round robin tournament, with squads allowed a maximum of 15 players.

Matches started every 40 minutes and consisted of two 15-minute halves, with each team playing at least three games during the day.

There was also success for Tiwi in the women's competition.

Tiwi defeated the Darwin Buffaloes 5-3 in the women's grand final to complete a successful day for the Islands.

Taniesha Forrest was named best on ground for Tiwi in the victory.

Clarke praised Tiwi's performances across both competitions.

"Tiwi played scintillating footy on the day and were so good that they came away with two out of the three trophies, winning both the Women's Division and Men's Division 1," he said.

"Wadjigan also won Men's Division 2, so we had three new champions this year, which is always great to see."

Wadjigan Brolgas claimed the Men's Division Two title after defeating Ireland 8-2 in the grand final.

Former St Kilda player Raph Clarke wound back the clock with a strong performance up forward for Wadjigan and was named best on ground.

The Division Two competition also featured the US Marines and Africa, while Ireland, New Zealand, Darwin Buffaloes and Tiwi contested the women's division.

The tournament has continued to build its reputation for bringing together players from different cultural and football backgrounds.

Clarke said the Darwin event remained an important part of Australian Football International's plans to grow the game overseas.

"Given the quality of the teams and players in the NT, the Darwin 9s remains one of our most important events.

"It showcases the huge potential to grow Australia's only indigenous game on the global stage.

"Our major goal is to see Footy 9s included as a demonstration sport in the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

"There will always be naysayers, but Rugby 7s is now an Olympic Sport, and American Football will make its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"If the American game can be included in the American Games, why can't the Australian game be included in the Australian Games?"