Marking the crossroad of both the Timor and Arafura Seas are the Tiwi Islands. There, over 35% of the population competes in some form of Australian Rules Football or as recognized locally –Yiloga. Yiloga is the native land of many high profile AFL stars including Michael Long, Maurice Rioli and Austin Wonaeamirri.
 
Recently premiering at the National Sports Museum, is a new exhibition - Yiloga! Tiwi Footy - which highlights and examines the Tiwi Island culture and the many positive influences Yiloga has made to the wider community of Tiwi.

Both Peter Eve and Monica Napper have worked to produce spectacular images that showcase the Tiwi Island community and its cherished collaboration with Australian Rules Football.
The images recognise the growing alliances between segregated groups and work to diminish the associated stigma of Indigenous communities. The colour and excitement of Tiwi football is exquisitely captured and the exhibition creates a very enchanting insight into the game.
 
Australian Rules Football was introduced to the Tiwi Islands back in 1941 by Brother John Pye who once stated, “Football has unified people on the islands. They are all from different clans, but as soon as you pick a footy team they are all in it together.”

Amongst the images there are also various player guernsey’s and extensive memorabilia to view. The collection signifies the important contribution the Tiwi Islands have made to the game of AFL and also the contribution of AFL to the Islands.

Yiloga! Tiwi Footy is a touring exhibition from Artback NT, and will be on show at The National Sport Museum until July 17, 2011. The exhibition is free of charge with general admission to the museum.

The Tiwi Bombers theme song is also now up on iTunes. All proceeds will be donated back to the Tiwi Football Club. Click here to purchase the song now.