A group of 26, including children, visited the far north of Australia to spend time with previous club recruits and meet potential recruits for 2020.

Club president Tracey McCartney said she was amazed by how many people from Darwin knew of Great Western and the football club.

"There were comments made about other people wanting to come to Great Western and the club," she said.

"I think we're doing it right. In 2019 the Tiwi Island players did so much for us. They taught us so much about their traditions and culture.

"On the field, they brought a new perspective on football skills. They are super talented players.

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"It's nice to know that those kinds of players want to come and play for us."

While visiting Darwin, club members watched a game of football, featuring the Tiwi Bombers.

McCartney said she was in awe of how the players could handle and play football in the heat.

"It's the first time I had ever been to Darwin and it's so humid," she said.

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"I couldn't believe they were playing football in that kind of weather. We were searching for shade to try and beat the heat to watch the game, and those players were out there running around, kicking the ball.

"I asked one of the players what had he done to prepare for the game and play in that heat.

"He told me he drank a litre of water the day before. I just couldn't believe it."

McCartney said she believed the club was now in a better position to help further recruits transition to Great Western and acclimatise to the Victorian weather.

"The Tiwi players would say they weren't going to play any good because it was too wet and cold," she said.

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"Their families would be huddled in the clubrooms because it was too cold to watch the football outside.

"I couldn't really fathom it. But until you go up and see what conditions they play in - it makes you understand why they said they couldn't play to the best of their ability because of the weather."

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