NTFL club Darwin close to sealing a double blue return for classy utility Michael Hagan

THE Darwin Buffaloes are poised to welcome back one of their favourite sons after a three-year absence

Michael Hagan in his Buffalo days. A return to the double blue jumper after two seasons with reigning premier Nightcliff seems likely.

THE Darwin Buffaloes are poised to welcome back one of their favourite sons after a three-year absence.

Michael Hagan, the son of champion goalkicker Norm, has told the club he will sign with the double blues when negotiations on securing a new coach are finalised.

A premiership player with Nightcliff last season, Hagan was close to returning last season before some persuasive words from first year Tigers skipper Phillip Wills convinced him to stay at PSC BM Oval.

“I just feel like it’s the right time to come home after spending three good years at Nightcliff,’’ Hagan told the NT News last night.

“I’m waiting on the new coach to be named before making a final decision, but being back at the Buffaloes will be good for my mind and body, particularly being back at the club where my family is.

“My parents are rapt, dad has supported me in everything I’ve done and I know he’s right behind me this time.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Nightcliff and playing in a premiership, especially when I missed one through injury the year before, but it is time to go home to Darwin.’’

Hagan’s return to the Darwin line-up won’t happen until Round 6 after he copped a five-match suspension for striking in the Tigers’ grand final win over St Mary’s.

But the 22-year-old hopes to get some playing time in with Geelong Football League club Grovedale before the start of the NTFL season.

Buffaloes president Shaun Pearce has left most of the negotiations with Hagan to his senior players.

But he would welcome the lightning quick midfielder with an appetite for goals back to the Buffalo fold in an instant.

“Michael would be a fantastic addition to our playing list and a player you could build the club around for at least the next 10 years,’’ Pearce said.

“He can play through the midfield where he can get the ball and use it beautifully and he can kick a goal, assets we’d love to have at Darwin.’’

The Buffaloes are poised to name their new coach early next month after closing applications this week.

A long list of local and interstate applicants have been received for final consideration.