Cyclone a threat to island showdown

SOUTHERN Districts and the Tiwi Bombers will get their chance to draw a line in the sand on Bathurst Island today.

But that line could be hard to see if Tropical Cyclone Alessia does the damage several pundits think it might.

Gale force winds are predicted for the Tiwi Islands from midday today, placing the game — scheduled for 3pm— in extreme doubt.

The ferry to Bathurst Island today has already been cancelled and seat numbers on airlines are being reduced.

AFLNT operations manager Darryl Griffith said he would be governed by the airlines and their ability to fly to and land on Bathurst Island as the defining factor on whether to cancel the match.

’’If they (airlines) are confident it is good enough to fly we’ll go ahead with the game,’’ Griffith said.

If Mother Nature controls the midfield and flanks of Tiwi Oval and forces the game to be postponed, Saturday, December 21, has been suggested as a possible replacement date, or a mid- week match could even be played.

But if all is well on Bathurst Island and the game goes ahead, the Tiwi Bombers should have enough incentive and running power to beat the hot-and-cold Crocodiles.

The return of skipper and Nichols medallist Shane Tipuamantamirri and clever midfielder Austin Wonaeamirri will add more class to a Tiwi side found a little bit short on defensive skills this season.

Their fifth position on the ladder can be attributed to the 735 points kicked against them in just six games, an average of 122 points conceded a game.

That might open the door for Damien Cupido to kick a bag of goals if the delivery from players like Ben AhMat, Tom Gleeson and Des Headland is up to scratch.

But the Crocodiles are yet to play four quarters of football this season, a dangerous habit against a Tiwi side well versed in turning defence into attack in the blink of an eye.