In this three part series, Melbourne Assistant Coach Josh Mahoney details his recent trip up north, where he spent time visiting the home of Austin Wonaeamirri - the Tiwi Islands.
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In the period between Christmas and New Year, I, like most Melbournians generally spend time at the Boxing Day Test, or down at one of Victoria’s beaches. This year, however, I tried something different, in fact something very different - I spent this time in a small community on Melville Island, the home of Austin Wonaeamirri.
Melville Island is a 30 minute light plane flight north of Darwin.
As soon as I arrived on the island, I drove past the home ground of the Mulluwurri Magpies. It was here that it first hit me how much Aussie’s world has changed, and it’s no wonder that he shows the pure excitement he does playing on the MCG. Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum - at Milikapiti - the MCC Members is replaced by the social club/bar/meeting area, the Great Southern Stand by the overgrown grass outside the fence, and the perfectly manicured oval by the patchy, rocky uneven playing area.
Their grounds certainly don’t affect the locals’ skills. We all know what Aussie can do with a Sherrin, but have a kick with him and his mates with a 1.25 litre Coke bottle and then you will see their true skills. They kick drop punts, torpedoes and – amazingly - can run and bounce the bottle with ease. It didn’t take long for the locals to make an ex-AFL player look like a dunce, and didn’t they enjoy it! I cannot wait to introduce the Coke bottles to training this year!
Essential in such a hot environment and with the beaches out of bounds due to jellyfish or crocs, are some good swimming holes. We visited two of their favourites. The first was called Nine Mile, which funnily enough was nine miles from the community. It is a nice quiet spot, with a slow current and lukewarm water, perfect. The only downside is that a local crocodile feels the same way, so make sure you have a look before you enter.
The second was called Taracumbi, a waterfall into a lagoon. On arrival, I was told I had to jump from the top. Feeling like I was being set up, I waited until they jumped in first. It must have been four metres, no sorry six, no, eight metres to the water, so a fair jump, but well worth it. The swimming area was surrounded by different coloured clay cliff faces. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to paint our bodies – unfortunately, my very white canvas was not a great background for the colour.
Check out melbournefc.com.au tomorrow for part two, where the group embarks on a day long hunting and fishing trip.
