Former Richmond and St Kilda utility Matthew Parker is one of a handful of ex-AFL players having a big impact for Northern Territory Football League club Tiwi Bombers this season.
The Whadjuk Noongar man joined the Bombers late last year and is coming off a best-on-ground display against Wanderers.
Parker gathered 30 disposals, including seven tackles and six clearances in his team's comprehensive 71-point win at Tracy Village Oval.
The 28-year-old told the NT News that playing in the Top End was something that he always wanted to experience during his footy career.
"It's only my first year here, I always wanted to come and play in the NTFL to try something different and bring the fun out of footy again, and help out where I'm needed with this club," Parker said after last weekend's match.
"The boys from Tiwi are all pure, raw skill, they just go out there and play footy.
"There's parts of the game where we still need to tighten up, but when it comes to offence we just let them work."
Parker was thrown into the deep end for his first experience with Top End footy as his debut game in Round 9 against Palmerston on the Tiwi Islands was abandoned at half time due to extreme weather conditions.
He was serviceable the following week against Nightcliff before producing a starring 29-disposal performance against St Marys in the last game before the Christmas break.
"No matter where I go I'll try to put my best foot forward for the team," Parker said.
"A team like Tiwi you just sit back and watch them, you can't beat it and I love playing for them."
Parker brings experience at the elite level with him having played 30 AFL games for the Saints and the Tigers between 2019 and 2022.
He has since been a dominant player for South Fremantle in the WAFL and averaged over 25 disposals per game across the 2024 season, while also representing the league against the SANFL.
The rangy midfielder is among six former AFL players to have suited up for the Bombers this season, alongside Marlion Pickett, Tom Phillips, Ashton Hams, Sam Darley and Anthony Munkara.
Tiwi have now solidified a finals berth and will have the double-chance in sights as they sit equal-second on the NTFL ladder with Nightcliff.
"As a club we pride ourselves on our pace and intensity, but it all starts defensively and the idea of building our defence and letting the offence take care of itself is something we're building.
"We got out there (against Wanderers) with the intention of hitting the ball hard and hitting it first so they have to play catch up – that's how we want to play."
