Nightcliff Tigers’ 2020-21 NTFL Grand Final hero John Butcher says ‘we want four titles in a row’

NIGHTCLIFF’S grand-final hero John Butcher admits he’s “getting a bit long in the tooth”, but that is no reason to dull his motivation in an effort to win a fourth consecutive NTFL title next season.

Danny and John Butcher celebrate Nightcliff’s 2020-21 NTFL Grand Final victory. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media

NIGHTCLIFF’S grand-final hero John Butcher admits he’s “getting a bit long in the tooth”, but that is no reason to dull his motivation in an effort to win a fourth consecutive NTFL title next season.

The 29-year-old former Port Adelaide star has been an integral part of the Tigers’ premiership three-peat.

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And he was the man who kicked the game-tying major with just six seconds left against St Mary’s in the epic premiership decider on Saturday night.

“I’m getting a bit long in the tooth and body. I’m at the stage where playing five or six games a season as a fly-in is enough for me,” the forward, who also plays for Maffra in country Victoria and who booted 16 majors in six appearances at the Tigers, told the NT News.

“(But) I don’t see why our premiership winning shouldn’t continue.

“We want to create history by winning four in a row.

“There’s a group of us older guys, and the younger blokes are putting pressure on us which we enjoy.

“There’s no reason why we can’t remain competitive.”

Butcher said remaining calm was paramount after marking with six seconds remaining against the Green Machine, before snapping truly to take the game to extra-time.

John Butcher weighs up his options for Nightcliff against St Mary’s in the 2020-21 NTFL Grand Final. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media

Going back and taking a set shot was not an option because he knew every second was a precious one at that stage of the game.

“I was relieved the ball landed on my chest and I was able to mark it. Then the first thing I thought was ‘I have to snap it’. Fitzy (Liam Holt-Fitz) was in the way so I was yelling at him ‘get out of the road’,” Butcher said.

“We were all absolutely pumped afterwards and the Nightcliff supporters were amazing.”

With so many teammates going for a hat-trick of titles, the hunger to win every week never dropped off at Nightcliff during the 2020-21 season.

“I think we had 14 blokes going for a third premiership in a row, one for a second and seven for a first,” Butcher said.

“I’ve always loved coming back here, which is a testament to the club’s culture.”