Tim is currently working as a Trainee Development Officer with the SANFL, based at AAMI Stadium.

Part of his responsibility is Indigenous Football and Tim was recently involved in the inaugural season of the Far North West Sports League.

The league incorporates communities from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands with eight teams spread from Indulkana in the east to Pipalyatjara in the far west.

Between these two is approximately 400 kms of some of the most arid but most spectacular country in Australia, which certainly makes for a long trip for the two when they visit to play.

Tim has spent many days over the past few weeks travelling the dusty roads between settlements, conversing with the locals, visiting schools and working closely with APY Lands officials.

Along with SANFL State Manager, Mr Frank Leonard and an entourage of guests, he travelled to Fregon for the footy finals, which also saw a softball final series for women.

The initiative is run by the SANFL with funding from the state and commonwealth governments and Mr Leonard is already well advanced in planning a regular home and away series for next season.

The group was joined by local Goolwa identities, Leigh Pope and Bryn Bridges who took on umpiring duties.

Both were exhausted after a day of umpiring in the hot desert sun, but both were totally impressed with the quality of play and along with fellow umpire and SANFL Umpiring Development Manager, Don Cooper, were treated to skill and speed not normally associated with their own brand of footy.

In the first of three games, a Pukatja player took a grab, which the umps claimed was the "Mark of the Century".

For the record, the Mimili Blues defeated the Amata Bombers in a close grand final in front of a noisy and excitable crowd.

Next year Tim plans to continue playing for the Saints between his commitments in the APY Lands.

He has already tried some bush tucker, a kangaroo caught and cooked over an open fire, but confesses to preferring his mum's home cooking.

He hopes that his efforts in the Lands will some day see the Aboriginal Communities become self sufficient in organising and running their own league.

Sport is providing hope for the people of the Lands and Tim is well and truly at the forefront of this program.