Nightcliff and St Mary’s go to war for premiership honours in a 2019-20 NTFL season they dominated

DESPITE their combined 137-year existence in the NTFL, rivals Nightcliff and St Mary’s have only met in five Premier League grand finals

St Mary's and Nightcliff coaches Anthony Vallejo and Chris get a close-up view of the 2019-2020 NTFL premiership cup. Picture: Che Chorley

DESPITE their combined 137-year existence in the NTFL, Nightcliff and St Mary’s have only met in five Premier League grand finals.

That record will increase by one tonight when the best performed sides of the 2019-20 Premier League season clash in a winner take all premiership decider at Marrara’s TIO Stadium.

Opposing coaches Chris Baksh (Nightcliff) and Anthony Vallejo (St Mary’s) are great mates off the field, but fierce rivals on it.

Vallejo’s trademark grin was on show in two of three meetings between the two clubs this season, the Saints winning in Round 7 and again in the second semi-final and Nightcliff cruising home by 11 goals in Round 14.

Baksh and his Tigers are chasing historic back-to-back flags and their fifth since joining the league in 1950, that after throwing the premiership monkey off their back one year ago.

“Every week is a different one according to the old cliche,’’ Baksh told the NT News. “We could have up to five grand final debutants and Saints will be the same.

“This time around I think it’s a mental thing for the players, being able to play four quarters of footy instead of one.

“And we have to hit the scoreboard early, we can’t afford to kick points against a side that has been the powerhouse of the competition for a lot of years.’’

Baksh grinned when reminded tonight’s grand final is the 13th time his side has earned a ticket to the NTFL’s big dance, a number sports fan rate as unlucky for some.

“We’re used to breaking records, so this will be no different in terms of No.13 and changing it from bad to good.’’

Jayden Kickett (calf) is out of the semi-final side, with forward Lachlan Sharp and hold down utility Marley McGregor in the running to replace him.

St Mary’s boss Vallejo has enjoyed a dream debut season as a senior coach, lifting the club from last to a grand final.

If they beat Nightcliff tonight, St Mary’s will join Waratah (1976-77) and Southern Districts (2006-07) to win senior flags after finishing with a wooden spoon 12 months earlier.

“Redemption has been a big thing for us all year and with senior players like Shannon Rioli and Raphael Clarke a lot more involved as players this season, we’re back and ready to go,’’ Vallejo said.

“The hunger is back in the players’ eyes again and that can only be a good thing.’’

With former North Melbourne and Carlton forward Jarrad Waite, Kieren Parnell and Rhett Jordon back in the side this week, there will be the usual mix of joy and disappointment among the playing group on grand final day.

One player Vallejo would love to be out there tonight — ace midfielder Jackson Geary — will miss after not fully recovering from a broken arm he suffered almost six weeks ago.