‘It would be a dream come true’: Champion Tiger eyes historic flag

ONE of the greatest Tigers of them all is dreaming of a drought-breaking premiership for his beloved Nightcliff Football Club this Saturday.

Nightcliff Tigers champion Benny Lew Fatt was there the day the Tigers won their last premiership back in 1965. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

ONE of the greatest Tigers of them all is dreaming of a drought-breaking premiership for his beloved Nightcliff Football Club this Saturday.

Bennie Lew Fatt, a Tigers champion and NTFL great, stood on the dais the last time the Tigers took home silverware some 54 years ago in 1965.

And with his boys so far proving themselves the best side all season after Nightcliff finished two games clear on top of the ladder, Mr Fatt is bristling with hope the Tigers will outmatch Southern Districts to claim a historic premiership on Saturday.

TOP STORIES
FISHOS and boaties could be banned from Manton Dam

300 public service jobs slashed: where will they come from?

UNIONS slam ‘disastrous’ plan to axe 300 public servants

EDITORIAL: Public service cuts don’t go far enough

CLEAR bins an option for waste

“I know everyone is talking about the elephant in the room, this premiership drought, but the way the club is going, it’s in a really great position,” Mr Fatt said.

“I’m not saying that we’ll win the grand final, but as far as the Nightcliff Football Club is going, they have a great committee, great people and they’re looking after everybody from juniors right through to the older fellas down at the club.”

• LIMITED TIME OFFER! SIGN up for Kayo plus NT News in our best ever subscription deal for sport lovers

• NT NEWS subscription special offer: $1 for first 28 days

While Mr Fatt gave a resounding tick to the club’ recruiting, administration and culture, he said things hadn’t always been so optimistic during over half a century in the premiership wilderness.

“I have felt sorry for the players that played during the drought,” he said.

“We had some of the best footballers to come out of the Territory — brilliant players — but they just couldn’t get it together on grand final day … it’s been very sad to go 54 years without a premiership.”

IN OTHER NEWS

For Mr Fatt, who is perhaps the greatest Tiger of them all, all the tough times will be washed away if Nightcliff can break the longest premiership drought in Territory football on Saturday.

“It’s been a long journey and I hate saying this, but I’ve turned 80 this year and before they ever put me into that place up in the sky I want to see Nightcliff win a grand final,” he said.

“It’s a dream that I want to see come true. But whether it happens this weekend or not, I’m sure in the next four to five years the Tigers will be the top footy club in the NT.”