Nightcliff small forward Liam Holt-Fitz wins the coveted Chaney Medal as the best player on the ground in the 2018-19 grand final

CHANEY medallist Liam Holt-Fitz reckons his hometown of Tennant Creek would have closed its doors during Saturday’s NTFL Grand Final.

Nightcliff’s Liam Holt-Fitz won the 2018-19 Chaney Medal as the best player on the ground in the grand final win over Southern Districts. Picture: Glenn Campbell

CHANEY medallist Liam Holt-Fitz reckons his hometown of Tennant Creek would have closed its doors during Saturday’s NTFL Grand Final.

The 18-year-old small forward was a key player in Nightcliff’s first grand final win since 1965, kicking two goals and leading the Southern Districts defence a merry dance.

His pace, creativity and evasive skills paved the way for the Tigers’ 22-point win over the reigning premier.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the town got shut down all weekend, let alone last night,’’ an ecstatic Holt-Fitz told the Sunday Territorian.

“And it was great to get the win, I wouldn’t have got this medal without every one of my teammates taking us all the way to the flag.

“I was told to roam and do what I want, as long as I was down there to kick those goals and I was lucky enough to do that.’’

For Holt-Fitz and his Tiger teammates, the drought that lasted for 54 years was washed away in a flood of tears and emotion.

“It’s finally raining for us,’’ he said. “I’m going to enjoy this with the rest of the team, my family and the Nightcliff supporters.

“This premiership would mean nothing without the supporters, they’ve suffered for long enough, now it’s time for the whole club to celebrate.’’