Bunnings is celebrating another local footy club hero, with Skye Watkinson from Bomaderry Tigers JAFC being
crowned one of Australia’s local BBQ legends as part of its nationwide Legend of the Tongs search, recognising
the volunteers who keep Aussie rules footy clubs running, one snag at a time.
Now in its second year, the Legend of the Tongs shines a spotlight on the dedicated community members who
show up week in, week out throughout the AFL and AFLW season, helping bring local footy to life both on and off
the field.
This week’s recognition celebrates Skye Watkinson’s unwavering dedication to her club and the vital role she
plays in creating a positive impact each week in their community.
For the past five years, Skye Watkinson has become a key part of Bomaderry Tigers Junior Australian Football
Club, volunteering alongside her nine-year-old child and helping wherever she is needed.
Skye manages both the Under 9s and Under 11s, spends long game days in the canteen and regularly works the BBQ serving up egg andbacon rolls.
For Skye, the most rewarding part is seeing the kids enjoy themselves and creating opportunities for junior players to connect with the club’s senior teams.
One of the highlights for Skye has been helping organise days where juniors run out with the senior players, while senior players also return the support by getting involved on junior game days. She believes that connection is a big part of what makes Bomaderry Tigers feel like a family, particularly for people who are new to the area and looking for a way to meet others outside of work. Skye is proud of the growth of women’s football at the club, with the Under 17 girls and women’s side reaching grand finals this season.
As part of the prize, Bomaderry Tigers JAFC will receive a BBQ prize pack valued over $585, including a Jumbuck 6 Burner BBQ and a Bunnings pop-up marquee.
Skye Watkinson is also now in the running to score a trip for two to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final, and be crowned the overall ‘Legend of the Golden Tongs’, winning $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for their club.
The competition forms part of Bunnings’ 12th year in partnership with the AFL and runs across 18 weeks of the 2026 AFL season, recognising grassroots volunteers across both AFL and AFLW communities.
Bunnings Nowra Site Manager, Sarah Murphy, said the Legend of the Tongs initiative is about celebrating the
people who make local footy possible.
“From firing up the BBQ to supporting young players and their families, volunteers like Skye are the heart and soul
of community sport,” Sarah said.
