Tiwi trailblazer’s on board
Crocs snap up one of Northern Territory’s most respected talents
A slice of Tiwi Islands magic and dash could be just what the doctor ordered for Port Douglas in their pursuit of three straight AFL Cairns flags. Bradley Palipuaminni (above), one of the most respected ambassadors for Tiwi Islands football in the Northern Territory, played his first game in Crocs colours just before the transfer cut-off and is now living in Port Douglas.
A SLICE of Tiwi Islands magic and dash could be just what the doctor ordered for Port Douglas in their pursuit of three straight AFL Cairns flags.
Bradley Palipuaminni, one of the most respected ambassadors for Tiwi Islands football in the Northern Territory, played his first game in Crocs colours just before the transfer cut-off and is now living in Port Douglas.
Australia has marvelled at the career of fellow Tiwi Islander Cyril Rioli this week following his retirement, and Palipuaminni is cut from the same cloth.
The Bathurst Islander certainly lifts Port’s list of quality footballers to right where it needs to be to compete with the undefeated Cairns Saints, with the lightning quick 29year-old a regular contributor at NTFL and NEAFL level throughout his career.
“Going from my first game, the speed of football up here is really quick,” Palipuaminni said. “It is similar to the NTFL but I think it is more controlled.
“I am enjoying Port Douglas. The weather is similar to back home in the Tiwi Islands.
“Hopefully we can go fishing and make me feel like I am at home.”
Palipuaminni is pleased to join fellow Tiwi Islanders Jason Puruntatameri and Austin Wonaeamirri in AFL Cairns this year, with the pair at Cairns City Lions.
Palipuaminni is close mates with Wanderers and NT Thunder champion Aaron Motlop, who suggested a move to the Far North under Crocs coach Brad Cooper, a former Wanderers player himself, would suit him perfectly.
Affectionately known as “Savage”, the clever on-baller has moved in with Crocs fullback Chris Taylor.
“He is a great bloke, Chris and is looking after me since I moved over,” Palipuaminni said. Cooper is taking a longterm approach with his newest recruit.
“Brad is an indigenous youth worker at schools and we are hoping to make a connection work-wise with him here,” Cooper said.
“That would give indigenous kids a good grounding at our club, with a guy like him around.”
The Crocs host long-term rivals South Cairns this afternoon as AFL Cairns footballers have one more chance to push for North Queensland selection.
In other Round 14 contests, Centrals Trinity Beach will renew hostilities with Cairns Saints after their last game was full of aggression while Cairns City Lions host last year’s grand finalists Manunda.