Nichols medallist quick to play down suggestions his Tigers are bound for glory again

NICHOLS medallist and Nightcliff skipper Phillip Wills was his evasive self when asked if historic back-to-back flags were at the top of the NTFL Tigers’ priorities

Nightcliff captain and Nichols medallist Phillip Wills says a week by week approach is his club’s priority this season. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

NICHOLS medallist and Nightcliff skipper Phillip Wills was his evasive self when asked if historic back-to-back flags were at the top of the NTFL Tigers’ priorities.

Wills’ Tigers were too organised and too smart for Southern Districts in Saturday night’s top-of-the-table clash at TIO Stadium.

The 38-point win prompted calls the beachside club is on track to win successive flags for the first time in their 69-year association with the NTFL.

A two-game break on the in-form St Mary’s and a Christmas match against the winless Palmerston on Saturday night should put some festive spirit in the bellies of the man-eaters over the mid-season break.

But Wills played the role of club statesman to a tee when asked if the players were keen to make back-to-back flags a serious priority.

“We’re just focusing on every match as it comes and taking it week by week to make sure we get our game and systems right,’’ he said.

“It (Districts win) was pretty convincing when we got away in the end, but what was good for us was finally putting four quarters together.

“From there we played the selfless footy we pride ourselves on by working hard for each other.’’

The reigning premier produced two more ready-made league footballers on Saturday night when Zac Brain and Brad Arnold finished in their best.

“Zac was really good with his intensity at the footy and at the contest and that’s something we want to build around,’’ Wills said.

“Brad Arnold is also a good in for us, he’s won a few league medals back where he’s from (Crib Point on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsular) with his footy smarts.

“So we’re feeling good, training hard and looking forward to giving our bodies a rest over Christmas.’’

For Wills and his Tigers there is no better form than winning games of footy and focusing on next week.

“But while there’s still a lot of things to work on, we’ll take the latest win and keep learning and improving,’’ he said.