More than 100 kungkas (young women) from 16 remote communities came together in Yulara/Uluru for the Kungkas' AFL 9s Carnival earlier this month.
The event was an opportunity for competition, connection and a taste of a traditionally male-dominated sport in remote First Nations communities.
Proudly run by Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women's Council Youth Service and AFL NT, the Kungka's AFL 9s Carnival is an all-female event celebrating strong women, healthy competition, and connection across communities.
First launched in 2024, it was an unprecedented event at the time - a "ground-breaking foray for remote Aboriginal young women into a male-dominated sport", according to the NPY Women's Council.
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Now in its second year, the Carnival returned with renewed competitive spirit at the Red Centre's Yulara Oval.
Participants travelled from across the NPY Lands, the cross-border central desert region of South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
For remote communities who call the NPY Lands home, the vast geographical distance means events such as the Carnival are a rare social opportunity.
First-time participant Savahanna said it "means everything to [her] being here".
From her home in Warakurna, Western Australia, she travelled more than 300 kilometres to participate in the Carnival.
"It makes me feel happy, and it's good to get to know kungkas from other countries and communities," she said.
"It's really good to keep the girls healthy and strong."
For many, the carnival is their first opportunity to compete in an AFL match - a game traditionally played by the men and boys in their communities.
"The girls grew up watching their mothers and grandmothers play softball, so they think footy's not for them," said Shalaylee Coombes, an Anangu Support Worker.
"It's good to get the kungkas out of community and to bring them together to play footy. It's good they can all come together to play and have fun. I'm happy to see them enjoy each other's company."
The carnival was made possible through a collaboration between the Ngaanyatjarra Council and Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee, along with sponsorship from the Maddocks Foundation and Igniting Change.
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia also played a key role, hosting the event at Yulara Oval.
Also present at the event were AFL NT and players from the Adelaide Crows AFLW team, encouraging the participants and supporting the games.
"The Kungka AFL 9s tournament is a chance for young Anangu women to demonstrate their leadership and build connections with each other," NPY Youth Service Youth Manager Johannes Scheiber said.
"A sporting event like this allows the opportunity to build skills that carry over into all areas of life.
"It was fitting that the tournament took place during NAIDOC Week - a celebration of the next generation. Events like this help grow the future leaders of our NPY communities."
In a statement reflecting on the event, NPY Women's Council said: "The energy on the field echoed something deeper - a new tradition in the making."
More than just a game, the Carnival was a testament to the NPY Women's Council Youth Service's commitment to a space for young First Nations women to shine.
