2020-21 NTFL Grand Final: St Mary’s forward Jackson Calder says bring on Nightcliff Tigers

NIGHTCLIFF might be going for a historic three-peat in the 2020-21 NTFL Grand Final tonight, but St Mary’s forward Jackson Calder cannot wait for the challenge.

St Mary’s star forward Jackson Calder celebrates one of his seven goals during the 2020-21 NTFL Men's Preliminary Final against Wanderers at TIO Stadium. Picture: Glenn Campbell

NIGHTCLIFF might be going for a historic three-peat in the 2020-21 NTFL Grand Final tonight, but St Mary’s forward Jackson Calder cannot wait for the challenge.

It is this attitude that has seen him excel this finals series, kicking six goals against Waratah in the first semi-final, and seven against Wanderers in last Saturday’s preliminary final.

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“We’re very excited about this game – in the grand final last year it was very close (the Tigers went on to win by 13 points),” Calder told the NT News.

“They’re going for three grand final wins in a row because they’re strong all around the ground.”

The internal battle between Tigers forward and last year’s Chaney Medal winner, Trent Melville, and an in-form Calder will be an intriguing one, and one Calder is also looking forward to.

But he believes a physical Saints defence will stand up in the big moments, tipping a veteran like Tylah Saunders to lead the way.

“Tylah has been unreal for us. He’s a really good leader and a super tough player who plays his role really well,” Calder said.

Calder said the Green Machine showed its true collective team character in its 27-point win over Wanderers in the preliminary final.

It was one of the most turbulent weeks in Saints history, after the club was fined a total of $11,500 and had four competition points docked from the start of next season, for breaking AFLNT’s player fly-in rules.

“There was some stuff said in the media, but we just used that as motivation,” he said.

“The boys showed plenty of character.

“Good teamwork up the ground put me in good one-on-one situations and set me up (to kick seven goals).

“If we play well we can beat anyone in the comp.”