World Footy News

Our thoughts are with the communities of the Northern Territory, particularly those on the northern coast and islands adjacent to Arnhem Land. The dangerous tropical storm is expected to hit those remote communities overnight.

Amongst those communities to be affected are Maningrida, Gapuwiyak and Nhulunbuy on the mainland coast and also Galiwinku on Elcho Island. Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria is also in the warning zone. All communities are lovers of Australian Rules football with very strong following of the game across the entire region.

In recent times Kevin Sheedy has visited Galiwinku and other remote communities as have players from many AFL teams to help grow and promote the game further. A major footy carnival is held within the region once a year which brings most of these settlements together.

(Left: Footy on the beach - Courtesy Maningrida Footy) All have been the subject of stories on World Footy News and have become linked through a network of people who provide services to the towns and monitor their progress. Tonight will be a tough one to negotiate as Severe Tropical Cyclone Lam, a destructive Category 3 system, bears down on the mainland.

Those wanting to read our stories about these communities can click the following links:

Maningrida - http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...2612042646

Galiwinku - http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...8173448607

Groote Eylandt - http://www.worldfootynews.com/article...7161603695

Since the time this article was written, Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia has intensified and threatens to cross the Queensland coast between Mackay and Rockhampton as a Category 5 system. Additional to the significant threat to life and property, the rains from these systems will also impact on football plans for many clubs commencing their training schedules, though in the grander scheme of such weather events this is a minor consideration.





Left: Arnhem Land region (Picture: Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Association)