Day 2 started with a catch-up breakfast with John Carparetis head of Hawthorn's Community Partner the Rioli Fund for Aboriginal Health. The fund raises money and awareness for Menzies School of Health Research a well-known and trusted organisation within the Northern Territory. John spoke to the players on the challenges facing Indiginous people living in outback communities.
The players then divided in to two groups before heading to the Tiwi Islands.
The ferry trip to Nguiu (Bathurst Island) from Cullen Bay (Darwin) is 70km, around two hours. Time spent on the ferry allowed players to chat with locals and discover the pride and excitment the Tiwi Islanders had over seeing the return of favourite son 'Junior' Rioli. On arrival it was quickly evident the role and significance football played in the lives of Tiwis.
By foot, it was straight to the oval to run some skills clinics for local schools Xavier Community College and Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary. This ended up being a real community event. The relaxed nature and freeloving spirit of the Tiwi children is best seen when a football is in their hands. Their extreme natural ability in terms of skills and agility astonished the entire group of players with many of the children able to slot a snap shot 'wopbuta' or goal from an angle that would make a woodworker grin with the challenge of impossibility.
Following the clinics, was a visit to the Museum and Art Houses which displayed some of the most interesting facts and beautiful Aboriginal pieces. A drive around the community was also in order, before taking time out to visit the local waterhole for a dip.
The other group flew into the remote region of Picketaramoor to visit Tiwi College. Here, they were spoiled to a game of girls soccer, followed by a football match involving the college students and some other locals from in and around Melville Island. Then it was off to a local waterhole from a well deserved cooling down session.
The groups then met back in Nguiu where Cyril Rioli was lucky enough to meet again with Christine Puruntatameri who presented 'Junior' with his Premiership Medal. As a thankyou and sign of respect to the role the Tiwi Islands had in Juniors life, he presented Christine with a number 33 jumper.
After returning on the ferry, it was off to a supporters night with local Hawthorn fanatics - a quality night that showed the strength of the Hawthorn following in top end Australia.
Tomorrow the players are off on a cultural experience to the south of Darwin.
Cameron Stokes chatted with locals on the ferry trip to Nguiu.
Requests for photos and signatures were popular and always met with a big Tiwi smile.
Footy clinics with local Tiwi schools Xavier Community College and Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary.
Enjoying a dip in the waterhole with a couple of new found friends.
Cyril Rioli brings a number 33 jumper to leave with the locals.
