Finals survival and a chance to defend their Premier League crown has Nightcliff snarling

PREMIERSHIP defender Nathan Brown has promised Tiger fans the real Nightcliff will hit the ground running in Saturday night’s NTFL preliminary final

Nathan Brown wants his Nightcliff Tigers to jump out of the blocks in the NTFL preliminary final. Picture: Glenn Campbell

PREMIERSHIP defender Nathan Brown has promised Tiger fans the real Nightcliff will hit the ground running in Saturday night’s NTFL preliminary final.

An increasingly frustrated Brown watched the reigning premier fumble its way to a 20-point loss to St Mary’s in the second semi-final.

An injured Brown shared the spectator viewing area with livewire small forward Liam Holt-Fitz and did not like what the pair were watching.

“Obviously last week was a little bit disappointing, especially how we came out of the blocks for such a big game,’’ he told the NT News.

“We definitely weren’t playing the footy we’re capable of and our preparation probably wasn’t the best.

“A team photo was taken before the game that threw a few blokes out.

“I’m not making excuses, but I don’t think we were really into it at the start where you have to start well in finals footy as St Mary’s has proved.’’

Brown was left scratching his head post match after a loss that has the Tigers fighting for finals survival against the in-form Southern Districts.

“It definitely hasn’t been us, it was a one-off game where we didn’t play well at all after being clean all week on the training track,’’ he said

“Another case of not settling quick enough and that will change this week.

“We’ve trained well all week and will be ready to go on Saturday, you’ll get a big response from the club.’’

Brown said the players were desperate to atone for the semi-final loss, even with spearhead Lachlan Sharp missing the match through suspension.

“The feeling around the club is good, we’ve been pretty positive all year and know where we are at,’’ he said.

“Even watching John Butcher miss those shots for goal was a bit frustrating.

“He hasn’t got the best kick going around, but he’s still pretty much a deadeye dick.

“It’s why Fitzy will be a big plus for us, it felt last week like we had no one there when the ball hit the ground.’’