Reigning premier Nightcliff wary of a fired up St Mary’s in the lead-up to the NTFL second semi-final

NIGHTCLIFF’S bid for historic back-to-back Premier League flags begins with a second semi-final clash against St Mary’s on Saturday night

Defender Nathan Brown is in line to return to the Nightcliff starting 22 in Saturday night’s NTFL major semi-final. Picture: Glenn Campbell

NIGHTCLIFF’S bid for historic back-to-back Premier League flags begins with a second semi-final clash against St Mary’s on Saturday night.

A full-on training run at PSC BM Oval on Saturday was the only physical work the Tigers’ senior players went through after earning a week’s rest courtesy of winning the minor premiership.

Senior coach Chris Baksh, reappointed last week with assistant coach Cameron Ilett and women’s coach Shannon Millar to lead the Tigers until the end of the 2021-22 season, said the club was fully focused on the in-form Saints.

“We’re happy where we are at, we’ve freshened up for what will be a big challenge against a good side in St Mary’s,’’ Baksh added.

“We’ve trained normally, except for a pretty solid session on Saturday that has us ready to go with a healthy squad of players.’’

The biggest quandary for Nightcliff selectors will be who to fit in the starting 22.

Nichols Medal favourite Brodie Filo, Nathan Brown, John Butcher and Lachlan Sharp did not play in the Tigers’ Round 18 win over Palmerston.

That quartet are all likely to come into the side depending on availability, meaning Baksh and his selectors will be burning some midnight oil on Thursday.

“I guess any changes will depend on our opponents and the structure of our side, we’ll work it out,’’ Baksh said.

Not since they joined the NTFL in 1950 have Nightcliff won senior flags in successive years, a feat this season’s combination is only two games away from achieving.

Last season’s 22-point win over Southern Districts snapped a 54-year premiership drought and more history beckons if they can win this year’s flag.

“There hasn’t been a lot of talk about back-to-back, we’re just focusing on this season and one game at a time, even though it sounds boring,’’ Baksh said.

“I suppose once we’re in the grand final we’ll speak about it, but making the GF is our first priority and right now that’s a long way off.’’

Baksh said the prospect of another week off if they get over St Mary’s was a positive for his side.

“We got the balance right last year, so it’s all good.’’