Reigning premier and flag favourites Nightcliff coming out of a week’s rest to play St Mary’s

CAMERON Ilett could be forgiven for yawning before he runs on to TIO Stadium for tonight’s crucial NTFL second semi-final

Cameron Ilett is back on the NTFL finals cauldron with Nightcliff. Picture: Glenn Campbell

CAMERON Ilett could be forgiven for yawning before he runs on to TIO Stadium for tonight’s crucial NTFL second semi-final.

The dual Nichols medallist, Chaney medallist and a premiership player with St Mary’s and present day club Nightcliff is a regular attendee at finals matches where his post-match report card never slips behind a B+.

That long standing record means there will no yawns from Ilett today, only a steely eyed approach that has served him so well in the past.

“It’s not about one player, it’s all about contributions from everyone and the right preparation at the pointy end of the season,’’ Ilett told the NT News.

“We know we’ve got a very big challenge ahead of us for what is a chance to play in a grand final and I know every player at Nightcliff has done all they can to prepare properly.’’

Big marking forwards Lachlan Sharp and John Butcher return for the 7pm clash as Nightcliff put their best 22 on the ground after a week’s rest courtesy of finishing the minor round on top.

All the talk outside of the club is back-to-back Premier League flags, something the 70-year-old Tigers have never achieved at league level.

“There’s no denying the opportunity is there for us to achieve that,’’ Ilett said when asked the inevitable question.

“But it has not been spoken about among the playing group, what we are about is winning games of football and this one is right up there in terms of importance.’’

St Mary’s surprised by not naming former Carlton and North Melbourne forward Jarrad Waite in their starting 18.

But a persistent foot complaint has forced Saints selectors to take a cautious approach with a view to playing him later in the finals.

Better news for last season’s wooden spooners is the return of lion-hearted ruckman Ryan Smith and goalkicking midfielder Jackson Paine.

St Mary’s beat Nightcliff earlier in the season, but coach Anthony Vallejo said any repeat from his side tonight would require a lot of physical and mental strength from his players.

“I think there will be a lot of old school footy, whoever wants the ball the most and goes in the hardest will prevail, that sort of thing,’’ he told the NT News.

“We’ve got plenty of reasons to win this game, but so have Nightcliff.’’