Great Western residents have opened their hearts and homes and welcomed in the Tiwi Island football players.
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Five players, some with their families, have joined the Great Western Football Netball Club in 2019.
The newly welcomed residents are living, working and studying within the region.
Gerrard Cunningham's partner Consuela Warlapinni said she felt right at home in the small Victorian country town.
"It's pretty good down here," she said.
"Back at home there's not much to do and you can get bored where there is no footy.
"It's taken some time to get used to the cold weather."
Ms Warlapinni said it has been about two months since she arrived.
"The community has been really helpful and we are so grateful," she said.
"We've been given clothes and toys - everyone has been wonderful.
"My girls have settled in really well at school - my eldest daughter told me she doesn't want to go back home because she has found she is learning more than she did back at home."
Ms Warlapinni said all three of her daughters have expressed a love for the region.
"My littlest one Geri, she said she didn't want to go back to the island, she wanted to go to school here," she said.
"It's so different here but it's made better by all the people here and we've been made feel really comfortable.
"The girls have got to know people living in Great Western and have really come out of their shells. The girls said Great Western really reminded them of being back at home, in a small community."
Mrs McCartney said the players and their families meet on Wednesday nights at the club.
"We've just started the initiative where someone cooks a meal and the players and families come together at the club on a Wednesday night," she said.
"It gives the players the opportunity to get together and also gives their host families a break from the extra people in their houses.
"All the players are staying at different places so it gives them a chance to catch up as well."
