While the AFL is preparing for its penultimate weekend of competition, the red dirt football grounds in remote Western Australia are only just wrapping up their home and away games. Among the six teams playing in the Ngaanyatjarra League, Wanarn is making a big comeback after a tough couple of years.
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00:00On an oval in the middle of the desert, the Wannan Crows are warming up.
00:07They're tied equal first with Docker River in the Ngunna Dara League and are determined to take out this year's flag.
00:14Football is a big thing for all of us people here.
00:18Teams and supporters from six communities gather for matches across the Ngunna Dara lands, an area the size of the United Kingdom.
00:27Football boots are optional.
00:29In Wannan, many remember the heartache a few years ago when the team endured a big slump.
00:35The people were on their heads to see their team playing finals.
00:42But their new coach has helped to turn that around.
00:45I feel proud for them because this year they are winning most games.
00:49Australian rules is by far the most popular sport in this remote pocket of the country.
00:55The Ngunna Dara Council wants to bring more AFL scouts to the region to offer development pathways for emerging players.
01:03The skills and passion of players were on display at the recent Dust Up Carnival for school students across seven desert communities.
01:12They just win right now. Yeah. Them.
01:16This weekend, Wannan will play Warburton before the finals kick off.
01:21I don't know. It's going to be a tough game.
01:24Helmut Cook will be one of the key players for Wannan.
01:27I'm only 47 years old.
01:31Mr Giles, who one day hopes to play for the Sydney Swans, is already picturing his team holding the flag.
01:38I think we might win the grand final, I think. I just wish.
01:43That confidence could make all the difference.