Nightcliff Tigers’ hero from the 2020-21 NTFL Grand Final v St Mary’s, Trent Melville, wants to ‘give back to Territory football’ by playing in the Big Rivers comp

THE state of football in the Territory has never been better, according to Nightcliff’s grand-final hero Trent Melville.And that is why he cannot wait to play for Katherine in the 2021 Big Rivers Football League.

Nightcliff forward Trent Melville looks to retain possession during the 2020-21 NTFL Grand Final. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media

THE state of football in the Territory has never been better, according to Nightcliff’s grand-final hero Trent Melville.

And that is why he cannot wait to play for Katherine in the 2021 Big Rivers Football League.

The 2019-20 Chaney Medal winner kicked three crucial long-range goals to help the Tigers to their epic seven-point win over St Mary’s in Saturday night’s grand final.

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That included the matchwinner in extra-time.

This could make him arguably the biggest signing for the BRFL this year.

“With the quality of players we had come up here, that’s the best NTFL season I’ve played in,” the big forward from Tea Tree Gully in the Adelaide Football League told the NT News.

“So I was eager to come back up and play, and I’m glad I did it.”

Melville will also only be too glad to play for the Camels, and in doing so provide yet another massive shot in the arm for football in the Territory.

“I’ll be available and I’ll be looking to pass on my knowledge to the boys down there,” he said.

“I want to help out, play the best football I can and provide the team with some leadership.

“Territory football has given me a lot, so I’m looking to give something back by playing in a smaller league.

“I’m really excited about it, and hopefully it encourages some other boys to go down there and play.

“It’ll be good for me to keep playing a handful of games (in the NTFL off-season).

“I’ve got a job up here which I’d like to keep, so Darwin is the place to be at the moment.”

Melville revealed to the NT News during grand-final week that he would be staying in the Territory to play for the Camels, who lost by 35 points to Katherine South in last year’s premiership decider.

“I’ve played six seasons in a row so I’ll have a bit of a break, and I’ve got a good plastering job in Darwin,” he said at the time.

“I’ve got some mates at Katherine Camels.”