David Kantilla - 2004 Inductee

Originally from the Tiwi community, high leaping David (Amparralamtua) Kantilla won the Knuckey Cup in the first two years (1961 and 1962) of his memorable 113 game, 106 goal career with the Panthers.

David is recognised as the first Indigenous Australian to play in the South Australian National Football League and the first Tiwi Islander to successfully play in a southern football league.

Standing 196cm, David began his career as a high flying ruckman, but was equally as dangerous drifting forward, as was on display when he kicked six goals against Glenelg in his debut for South Adelaide.

David was also affectionately known as "Soapy" following the publication of a photo showing him lathered in soap in a bath.

During his time in South Australia, David also represented the state on four occasions in 1964 and 1965.

In 1997 David was inducted into the Northern Territory Hall of Champions. Meanwhile, the function room at NTFL headquarters at Marrara Oval is named after him. In 2005 he was named on the interchange of the Indigenous Team of the Century and he is, of course, a member of the South Adelaide Hall of Fame.

David Kantilla, a pioneer and a legend.