Bulls take carnival honours

Yandeyarra Bulls have won the eighth annual Roebourne NAIDOC football carnival hosted by the Ngarluma Yindjibarndi Foundation over the weekend.

The Yandeyarra Bulls and Youngaleena Hunters faced of in the finals for the second year in a row, but this time the honours went to the Bulls 14.5 (89) to 4.5 (29).

Bulls coach and player Deon Alec said it was good to see players come down from every corner of the Pilbara.

"Everybody likes to come down to play football and win the Roebourne NAIDOC carnival," he said.

"It brings people together that you haven't seen for a long time.

"The whole weekend is just a really good atmosphere."

Mr Alec said he hoped to see even more teams coming to compete in the next few years.

The carnival, held over three days, attracted players and spectators from eight teams as far as the De Grey River area, Jigalong and Tom Price.

Carnival organiser Arnold Lockyer said he was very happy with the turnout.

"Aboriginal people celebrate sport so it is about getting together as family and friends and enjoying the weekend together," he said.

"Sometimes these carnivals are the only time these guys can get together and talk to each other.

"The teams go really hard at each other but it is all in good spirit and it is all smiles after the game."

Mr Lockyer said it was good to see everyone enjoying the event without drugs or alcohol.

Introduced last year, the Spirit Shield award for the team with the best attitude over the weekend went to first time competitors Murapikurrinya from the De Grey river area.

The fairest and best award went to Ieramugadu Razors player John Shaw Junior.

Yandeyarra players Deon Alec and Tyrese Stewart, as well as Jigalong Eagles member Shannon Samson were the runners-up.