Club chief executive Cameron Schwab said Matthew was highly regarded among the Tiwi Islands.
“Matthew was a highly respected person in the football and greater community in Tiwi,” Schwab said.
“Aussie has flown home to Melville Island to be with his family.
“Ian Flack has flown with him to give support. Josh Mahoney, who spent time with Aussie's family in Milikapiti last year, is also providing support to Aussie and his family.”
Matthew Wonaeamirri was regarded as an indigenous leader, family man and integral supporter of the Tiwi Bombers.
The 63-year-old was also the former chair of the Tiwi Land Council, and vice-chairman of the Tiwi Bombers.
In fact, Matthew had watched his Bombers play the Waratahs on Saturday night and had been involved in key Northern Territory football talks in Darwin before the tragedy occurred.
Melbourne assistant coach Josh Mahoney, who was spent time with the Wonaeamirri family and traveled with Austin to the Tiwi Islands, said it was it was a privilege to spend time with Matthew and his family.
“The interaction I had with Matthew was time spent talking about how proud he was of Austin and how much of an impact he had by playing AFL - and the impact he was having on his community,” Mahoney said.
“You could see that every time Matthew came down to watch Aussie play for Melbourne. He couldn’t get the smile off his face - being at the MCG was the like the best place he could be.
“The enthusiasm he had not just for Austin - but for everyone at the Melbourne Football Club, was contagious.”
Mahoney summed up the well-known image of Matthew with club president Jim Stynes - following Melbourne’s memorable one-point win over Brisbane Lions in 2008 - as one that highlights all things good about our game.
“That moment when we saw Matthew and Jimmy at the end of the game and they were embracing, was an image that will stay in my head for the rest of my life.”
Austin kicked two goals that day to help the Dees to victory. Earlier that season, Austin kicked four goals - including three in the final term - against Fremantle, and was rewarded with a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
Matthew’s celebrations with Stynes - along with Austin’s post-goal fist pumps and jumps - gave Melbourne fans plenty of delight. Melbourne sends its deepest sympathy to Austin, and to his family and friends.
