Tropical Cyclone Marcus unable to shake spirits, as Tiwi Islands footy fever finally sets in
Tikalaru Dockers fans run onto the field as the grand final gets underway. (ABC News: Robert Baird)
The Tiwi Islands has been hit with a case of grand final fever, and if you thought a cyclone would be enough to shake punters' spirits, you would be wrong.
While Tropical Cyclone Marcus may have postponed the long-awaited showdown between the Tuyu Buffaloes and newcomers Tikalaru Dockers, it did not stop locals and tourists alike from descending on Bathurst Island for the renowned celebration of Tiwi Islands culture.
Tikalaru Dockers players run through their banner for the start of the grand final. (ABC News: Robert Baird)
It was a day of celebration for the Dockers, who claimed victory over their opponents, despite only entering the Tiwi Islands Football League (TIFL) this season.
It was a feat not easily lost on their doting fans, who took to the field in support ahead of the big game.
The footy showdown is one of the Tiwi Islands' biggest events of the year. (ABC News: Robert Baird)
"It's nothing like the MCG," quipped Melburnian Andrew, who was visiting his girlfriend in Darwin and joined a charter flight to the match on a whim.
"But the atmosphere is up there. It's pretty much like a country footy game... with the rivalry between the towns."
Crowds gather to watch the Tiwi Islands footy grand final. (ABC News: Robert Baird)
While punters may have come for the football, they stayed for the culture.
The event is an unlikely combination of art and sport, where some of the Territory's best painters, sewers and sculptors converge to show their work to the world.
Punters pack the sidelines to watch the teams play the biggest match of the year. (ABC News: Robert Baird)
"[This] means snake, it's our rainbow serpent," artist Nicholas Shane Miller said, gesturing to an intricately woven rug.
"I like making that because it protects our island too."
Tiwi Islands art centres sell their wares to the tourists who flock to the town for the football final. (ABC News: Robert Baird)