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Full marks for team commitment

04 February 2015

Scott Maralngurra from Gunbalanya with a trademark strong grab in the forward line - this time against Banks at Brockman Oval, Jabiru - a mark that brought a goal to help his team across the line late in the final quarter. Scott Maralngurra from Gunbalanya with a trademark strong grab in the forward line - this time against Banks at Brockman Oval, Jabiru - a mark that brought a goal to help his team across the line late in the final quarter.

Jabiru Bombers full-forward Scott Maralngurra has earned himself a strong cult following in the AFL NT. With his straightforward style of solid marking and accurate kicking, he has helped the Bombers out more than once in the closing minutes of a match. 

Standing at over 190cm, quietly spoken Scotty makes the opposition work hard, as he seizes any opportunity with both hands. 

“I don’t like to jump too much, I just stand my ground,” Scotty told The Wire. Opposing teams will often try to work their way around the big fella by marking him with more than one defensive player. “I like it better when it’s just one-on-one,” he says. 

Scotty, who started playing footy at a young age, lives in Gunbalanya where he has played in local league grand final matches in the past. But playing with the Bombers means making a commitment to a 100km round trip from Gunbalanya to Jabiru, to train with the team on Tuesday and Thursday nights. For Scotty, it’s worth it. 

“I enjoy playing and training as part of the team,” he says. 

And his team commitment extends beyond the sporting field. During the week, Scotty is employed with the West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) works team in Gunbalanya, who have recently been doing construction work including laying concrete for a new network of footpaths around his community. 

WARC Building Works Supervisor in Gunbalanya, Damon Alexander, says Scotty is a “good bloke” to work with. “He works well in the team, and he wants to learn and do building,” Damon says. “He enjoys it and is really good to work with.” 

Bombers coach Ian ‘Dougie’ Douglass agrees, saying Scotty’s commitment and work ethic is outstanding.

“He’ll work all day in Gunbalanya laying concrete, then travel over here to Jabiru to put in 110% at training in the evening,” Dougie says. “He doesn’t drink or smoke, and is a great role model for the other boys on the team.” 

Scott said he tried to have a moderating influence on his teammates. 

“I sometimes tell the players to slow down, and not be irresponsible with their drinking,” Scotty says. “Not drinking works for me. I just like to get out there and enjoy my footy.” 

During the week Scott is a team player with the West Arnhem Regional Council works crew in Gunbalanya. During the week Scott is a team player with the West Arnhem Regional Council works crew in Gunbalanya.