Nightcliff Tigers’ young gun Michael Hagan’s 2019-20 NTFL Grand Final inspiration after coming back from hamstring injury

NIGHTCLIFF key forward Michael Hagan is keen to get stuck into tonight’s grand final after a hamstring injury saw him miss out in last year’s premiership decider.The Tiger was gutted to miss out on the big dance last year after a strain forced him from the ground minutes into the third quarter of the semi-final against Tiwi.

Nightcliff youngster Michael Hagan (right) with captain Nathan Brown. Picture: NATHANIEL CHAMBERS

NIGHTCLIFF key forward Michael Hagan is keen to get stuck into tonight’s grand final after a hamstring injury saw him miss out in last year’s premiership decider.

The Tiger was gutted to miss out on the big dance last year after a strain forced him from the ground minutes into the third quarter of the semi-final against Tiwi.

But Hagan believes this year will mean more to him with a return to living in Darwin and a clean bill of health.

“I’m ready to go. It’s been too long to get back to this point, I’ve been waiting for this,” Hagan told the NT News.

“I’m back here living in Darwin and I think this year will mean a bit more to me after the boys got around me last year.

“We’ve all been here from pre-season working our arses off so it’s not a surprise to us that we’re in the grand final after all the hard work we’ve put in behind the scenes.”

The former Buffalo has plenty of NEAFL experience having played in the 2015 NT Thunder premiership-winning side and running out last year with the Aspley Hornets.

Tigers’ coach Chris Baksh was full of praise for the star who has been in the side’s best six times and kicked 21 goals this season.

“He’s had a really good season, he’s committed himself in training and has become a key part of the team,” Baksh said.

“He’s impressed me with his footy smarts and enthusiasm around the squad, which helps lift the rest of the side. This final will mean a bit to him after he missed out last season.”

Hagan’s eyes are now firmly on the Saints, the only side to topple the Tigers this season.

“They got us the first time and we got them back, so I think we owe them one after they got us in the semi,” Hagan said.

“They’re no stranger to a grand final, they’re going to come out with intensity as they always do.

“We’ve got to beat them on the ground, in the air and everywhere in between. I’m hoping all 22 of us perform and get that win.”