Back-to-back Premier League champs Nightcliff waiting for Wanderers in the major semi-final

Nightcliff has beaten and drawn with Wanderers in two classic minor round contests in the lead-up to their second semi-final

Ronald Fejo Jr’s return for the second semi-final against Nightcliff will add speed and skill to the Wanderers line-up. Picture: Felicity Elliott AFLNT/Media

WANDERERS’ busy week with the NTFL Tribunal has been moved to the back of the room while the coaching staff focuses on defending premier Nightcliff.

Their captain Braedon McLean’s three-game suspension, a tribunal hearing and speculation on whether the club will appeal the ban had the club hierarchy looking away from the main objective of winning a flag.

The second semi-final matchup against the powerful Tigers has several possible solutions after two nailbiting clashes between the two sides this season.

In a twist, Wanderers could be preparing for their third win in as many starts against the back-to-back premier.

A 10-point loss to the Tigers in Round 3 and a heart-stopping draw in Round 10 after being in front late in both games were bitter lessons for the young Wanderers side.

This time around the stakes are a lot higher — a grand final berth where all the 20-21 season’s marbles are on the line.

Wanderers get speedster Ronald Fejo, big marking forward Liam Patrick and versatile defender Warwick Williams are back for the crunch game.

Skilful on-baller Marlon Motlop is playing at a music festival in Adelaide tonight as a support group for Midnight Oil and could not be considered.

Wanderers coach Shannon Motlop has handpassed the McLean saga to his committee in a bid to be fully focused for the Nightcliff challenge.

“We’ve got to get the Braedon situation out of our minds,’’ he said. “It’s important we find a way to beat Nightcliff and get to the grand final.

“We’ve been close, but we still haven’t done it against a side that knows how to win with their experienced players lifting at crucial times.

“But I think we’ve learned from those two losses where they got us in the last five minutes both times.’’

Nightcliff, charging toward a club record third consecutive senior flag, has brought back veteran defender Nathan Brown, wingman Jonathan Peris, skilful forward Liam Holt-Fitz and spearhead John Butcher in another show of strength.

Last time they met: Nightcliff 11.13 (79) drew with Wanderers 12.7 (79)