Watch The Feet proved an aptly named force at the weekend's National Indigenous Touch Football Knockout at Apex Oval.
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Watch The Feet teams won the mixed, men's, and women's titles on Sunday after two days of electric action.
With the likes of former NRL premiership winner Scott Prince among those lining up for Watch Your Feet the success came as no real shock, but the weekend was about much more than the performances on the field.
Now in its third year, the annual knockout is run by the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS) and it brings people together while also promoting healthy living and positive choices.
"Touch is only one component," WACHS' events and promotions officer Adam Ryan said.
"It's got all the makings on a massive competition and it's only going to get bigger."
Stall holders came from as far as Forster on the north coast on the weekend to be part of the event while Quit B Fit workers also presented information, representatives from universities provided information on career options, and NRL stars Brent Naden and Braidon Burns were on hand to help out.
The Wellington Cowboys club also did its bit to help.
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Ryan said one of the highlights of the weekend was seeing the Cowboys run the canteen and offer only sugar-free items.
In terms of the action on the field, the prizemoney on offer this year was raised to $50,000.
That ensured the standard of competition also rose, with matches being played from under 10s right through to the senior divisions.
Teams came from Queensland, Newcastle, and many other locations throughout the state while there was also a strong representation from the western area.
The Koori Kama Young Guns won the under 14s girls title while the 16s girls division was won by the Redfern All Blacks.
The senior grades were then dominated by Watch The Feet.
The men's decider was one of the weekend's best, as Watch The Feet scored a 6-4 win over an improving Castlereagh All Blacks side loaded with local talent.
"Very fast is the best way to explain it," Ryan said of the competition.
"Some of the talent on the field, the speed of the games was crazy to watch.
"There was a lot of talent but the Castlereagh All Blacks, they've been supporting it since we started and they're one to watch. They've come a long way."
Despite the improvements, the Castlereagh All Blacks fell just short against Watch The Feet.
"They [Watch The Feet] are good supporters of it and they always travel. Scotty Prince loves his touch and it's something he looks forward to," Ryan added.
Having kids in attendance to not only play but see the likes of Prince in action and Burns and Naden promoting the positive message was another of the weekend's highlights.
The planning now begins for 2020 with the major focus securing a set annual date.
The carnival, which was held in December last year, was originally meant to be run in June of this year.
That was forced to change and Ryan said having the same date each year would make it easier for players and supporters and help to ensure the event grows.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
