The Northern Territory football community is in mourning following the passing of revered figure Walter "Benny" Lew Fatt, who died on Wednesday, aged 87.
Lew Fatt was a standout player, mentor and community leader whose legacy spanned generations.
The Nightcliff Football Club stalwart made his senior debut at just 16 years old and quickly forged a reputation that would see him become one of the most respected figures in Top End sport.
He built a decorated career between 1954 and 1968 and played a pivotal role in one of the Tigers' most successful eras.
The brilliant rover was a member of three premiership teams - 1956/57, 1960/61 and 1964/65 - and topped the club's goal-kicking list on two occasions.
Lew Fatt famously kicked eight of his team's 11 goals in the 1965/66 grand final loss to St Marys, and in 1963/64 he won both the NTFL's highest individual honour - the Nichols Medal - and Nightcliff's best-and-fairest.
His long-standing contribution to the sport earned him Life Membership with both Nightcliff and the NTFL, and in 2012, he was inducted into the AFLNT Hall of Fame.
AFL Northern Territory paid tribute to Lew Fatt's enduring influence on the game.
"Benny's influence extended beyond his playing career," AFLNT wrote in a statement released during the week.
"He coached the Nightcliff Colts, nurturing new generations of footballers, and helped shape the development of Territory football.
"His dedication, professionalism, and generosity of spirit left an indelible mark on the game and its community."
Lew Fatt's sporting prowess shone across multiple sports as he represented the Northern Territory in basketball at national level and maintained a lifelong involvement in golf and lawn bowls.
Off the field, his commitment to community causes was equally profound.
Lew Fatt served on the Australia Day Council, supported the Red Cross and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2019 Queen's Birthday Honours for his service.
"He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose family continues to carry forward his values of dedication, integrity, and community spirit," AFLNT added.
"He helped shape Territory football, and his impact, mentorship and memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and the generations of players who follow in his footsteps."
Tributes have flowed from across the football landscape, including from Nightcliff president Mark Dodge, who remembered Lew Fatt's smile as 'larger than life'.
"He was the patriarch of the (Nightcliff Tiger) family - that big solid handshake, the glint in the eye," Dodge told the ABC.
"One of my fondest memories was in the 2018/19 premiership year, the drought breaker.
"He was able to present that cup to our team captain Nathan Brown - we had a bit of dust in our eyes last night, talking about that."
