Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti made his NTFL return for the Tiwi Bombers last weekend.

The Bombers lost to Southern Districts by 11 points in a game played in stifling hot conditions at Norbuilt Oval in Darwin's rural area.

The former Essendon star lined up in the forward line and spent brief stints around the ball in what was his first NTFL game in around a decade.

The 30-year-old started the match quietly but worked his way into the contest to finish with 12 disposals.

Eight of McDonald-Tipungwuti's disposals were contested and he also had four inside-50s.

The exciting forward called time on his AFL career at the end of last season after 133 games and 157 goals at the elite level.

His signing last month was a huge boost for the struggling Tiwi Bombers, who have won just one game from the past three seasons.

The Bombers said at the time that McDonald-Tipungwuti's leadership would be a big positive for the young Tiwi players in the squad.

"Anthony's return will add valuable experience and leadership for our very young group and his story of resilience and perseverance will be great learnings for our players in both our Men's and Women's football programs," the club said.

The Tiwi Bombers also announced its leadership group recently with Brendan Kantilla announced as the club's skipper.

John and Stanley Tipiloura will be the Bombers' vice-captains, while Kim Kantilla and Michael Dunn are also in the leadership group.

McDonald-Tipungwuti and former Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney player Sam Darley will undertake leadership development roles.

Despite last Saturday's loss, the Bombers appear to be a much-improved outfit when compared to previous seasons.

Brendan Kantilla produced an excellent captain's performance and was Tiwi's best player with 19 disposals and three goals.

Essendon VFL player Jacob Brown had a serviceable game on debut while Kim Kantilla showed his class on plenty of occasions.

It was an off-season involving plenty of change for the Bombers, with the signing of a new coach in former AFL player Patrick Bowden, and the change in times for the local Tiwi Islands Football League season.

The TIFL season recently moved to a dry-season competition and the Bombers are a reportedly fitter and better prepared squad.

A pre-season trial game generated plenty of excitement with a number of the club's legends – including Ross Tungatalum and Dion Munkara – pulling on a red and black jumper.

The Tiwi Bombers play Palmerston this Saturday at TIO Stadium.

In other NTFL news, former Port Adelaide-listed player Trent Burgoyne made his debut for the Darwin Buffaloes last Saturday night.

The son of Power champion Peter Burgoyne finished with 17 disposals in the Buffaloes' 12.17 (89) to 10.12 (72) win over Wanderers.