Flashy return of carnival

Three teams are expected to make a flashy return to the Central Kimberley Football League Lightning Carnival this week.

The competition is a usually a strongly represented kick off to the season, attracting teams including the returning 2014 Yiyili Power team, Junjuwa Magpies and a new formation between Mowanjum Hawks and Pandana Park players to play a season opener held in Fitzroy Crossing on March 19 and 20.

Central Kimberley Football League general manager Geoff Davis said the new teams were keen to play during the carnival to secure a spot in the football season, in particular the returning Yiyili Power side who were supposed to play in 2015.

“There’s a team from Derby consisting of the Mowanjum Hawks and a Pandanas Park team known as the suns, they are still working out what they are calling themselves but we will know before the carnival for sure,” he said.

“The Magpies went out of the league two years ago, they have reinvented themselves and they are considered a new team despite being involved from the origin of the competition”.

Local teams the Bayulu Bulldogs, Yakanarra Dockers, Noonkanbah Blues and Wangkatjungka Crows will also be present for the season opening games which consist of two 20 minute halves during day and night games.

Mr Davis said the carnival has attracted around 1000 people in past years promoting community spirit and produced many standout players who have played in the Australian Football League.

“It’s the season opener to see what players and teams are on display, to see what we can expect for the season,” he said.

“The Blues would have to be the favourites after winning the premiership last year and they won it with a fairly young side as well, they had nine guys who were under 18 in that team but they are well coached and highly organised”.

The carnival is comprised of player 15 years old and over with one team from Fitzroy Crossing and a number of communities from the Fitzroy Valley playing games at Fitzroy Crossing in preparation for the 17 week season.