Woodroffe footy club BBQ legend crowned in national Bunnings search
Bunnings has found its latest community hero, naming Brent Tanner from Darwin Buffaloes Football Club as one of Australia’s barbeque legends through its nationwide Legend of the Tongs search – honouring unsung volunteers who keep Aussie rules footy alive, one snag at a time.
Two and a half years ago, Brent Tanner stepped up to help grow the junior football program at the Darwin Buffaloes and never looked back. The results have been remarkable; junior numbers surged in 2025 with 35 players invited to Northern Territory Academy tryouts and the club's Christmas party drew 180 kids through the gates. Brent did this while managing a full-time job, as well as the role of junior president and still finding time to man the BBQ at trainings and games.
"It's not always about winning," Brent says. "It's about being inclusive, making friendships and building something important."
With AFL alumni including Mally Rosas, Cameron Stokes and Joseph Anderson, and AFLW stars Dominique Carbone, Tayla Hart-Aluni and Mattea Breed all connected to the club, the next generation of junior players have no shortage of inspiration. But it's Brent's presence, week in, week out, that holds it all together.
Bunnings Palmerston Complex Manager, Danni McLain, says Brent is exactly the kind of person the Legend of the Tongs was created to celebrate.
"Volunteers like Brent prove community sport thrives on generosity. Balancing full-time work with his role as junior president, Brent still finds the time to man the BBQ at trainings and junior games, making sure families can stay, connect and enjoy a free meal together," Danni said.
"His effort helps create a welcoming club culture and the Darwin Buffaloes are incredibly lucky to have him." She added.
Bunnings Head of Community, Sponsorship and Events, Michelle Walter, says the initiative is about celebrating the people who are the heartbeat of Aussie rules football.
"Legend of the Tongs is all about recognising the heart of Australian rules football – the more than 200,000 volunteers who show up week in, week out to support their clubs," said Walter.
"Following a hugely successful first year, we're proud to bring Legend of the Tongs back in 2026, delivering practical equipment and support that helps grassroots AFL and AFLW clubs focus on what matters most – their people and their community."
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 Palmerston Complex Manager, Danni Mclain, said Brent is exactly the kind of person the Legend of the Tongs initiative was created to celebrate.
The recognition comes as Bunnings research from 2025 highlights the essential role of BBQ, canteen and other food services volunteers in shaping club culture, with almost one in three (29 per cent) Australians saying their favourite volunteer role is firing up the barbie.
As part of the 2026 campaign:
• Each week, five ‘legends’ and their local club will win a BBQ prize pack valued at over $585 • Eight shortlisted winners will score a trip for two to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final, with some selected via a new public “community choice” vote
• One overall winner will be crowned the ‘Legend of the Golden Tongs’, winning $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for their local club
Nominations are now open, with winners announced weekly. Entries close on 16 August 2026. Know a BBQ legend? Nominate your local footy club’s Legend of the Tongs at bunnings.com.au/legends.
