A star-studded Team Larrakia has again stamped its dominance on the Darwin AFL 9s tournament, claiming a fourth consecutive title in the Men's Division One competition at Rugby Park Marrara at the weekend.
In a thrilling grand final, Larrakia survived a late surge from a determined Banks outfit to edge out a 7–6 victory and extend their winning streak in the annual event.
With the match locked at six goals apiece in the final minute, it was former AFL star Steven Motlop who broke the deadlock, slotting the match-winner from close range to seal the win.
Motlop, fresh off a Northern Territory Football League premiership with Southern Districts, led from the front all tournament and his composure and class in front of goal earned him best-on-ground honours in the decider.
The 13-year AFL veteran, who played with Geelong and Port Adelaide, was one of several ex-AFL and State League stars in the Larrakia line-up, alongside playing-coach and AFL premiership player Shannon Motlop.
For proud Larrakia woman and team sponsor Nicole Brown, the tournament is about far more than just football.
"This past weekend, the Darwin AFL 9s once again brought together the best of our Territory's footy talent – and for the fourth year in a row, it was Team Larrakia standing tall at the end," Brown said.
"As a proud Larrakia woman, there's nothing quite like watching our brothers run out onto the field wearing our name across their chests.
"It's more than sport – it's carrying our culture, our history, and our pride into every mark, every tackle, every goal.
"From the very first bounce, you could feel the energy – fast hands, strong bodies, voices calling to each other in that way only family can.
"And when those voices belong to names that epitomise NT footy — Motlop, Cubillo, Stokes — you know you're watching something special.
"These are families whose stories and skill have shaped Territory football for generations, and to see them representing Larrakia is something that stirs the heart."
Footy 9s is a nine-a-side hybrid version of Australian rules football played on a rectangular field.
The fast-paced format has been described by governing body Australian Football International as "an exciting new team sport that has been inspired by Australian Football."
"Footy 9s has been designed to make it much easier for people to play, without the difficulty of trying to find a large enough field and recruit a small army in order to play," the website states.
The Darwin AFL 9s continues to grow every year and offers participants a unique blend of competitive football and community connection.
For the Larrakia team, it is a chance to showcase their skill and honour culture.
In the other divisions, St Marys claimed the Women's title with a dominant win over the Darwin Beavers, while Timor-Leste triumphed over Ireland in a high-scoring Men's Division Two final.
NTFL champion Shannon Rioli, who featured for both the Philippines and Tiwi sides, said the format offers a refreshing change from traditional matches.
"The games are fun, it's not a really hard slog because you've got nine on the field and six on the bench so you can rotate pretty quickly," Rioli said.
"Darwin is a very multicultural city and we love our footy, so why not bring that all together in a one-day competition where everyone gets to have some fun."
