Nightcliff Tigers ready to lay an early marker in the first round of the 2020-21 Darwin Premier League Netball season

NIGHTCLIFF Tigers captain Katie Elmer hopes her side gets its 2021 Darwin Netball Premier League season off to a strong start when it takes on Banks Bulldogs.

Nightcliff Tigers’ Katie Elmer is eager to get the netball season underway. Picture: Che Chorley

NIGHTCLIFF Tigers’ captain Katie Elmer hopes her side gets its 2021 Darwin Netball Premier League season off to a strong start when it takes on Banks Bulldogs.

New Premier League side Bulldogs present an aura of surprise but the Tigers are aiming to set down an early marker will be hoping to get the ball moving in their favour in the 8.45pm game on Thursday.

Megan Craufurd and Brittany Daly are big-name players returning to the Tigers for the 2021 season, while Ayla Murfitt will join the side.

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And after three consecutive grand-final losses the Tigers players are more eager than ever to make their marks on the competition and etch their names into the trophy.

“We’re shaping up really well. There’s a few in and out with footy season, but we’re looking forward to everyone being back when they finish up,” Elmer told the NT News.

“This year we’re looking to have good quality across the court with a focus on hard one-on-one defence while being more inclusive as a club.

“Everyone has been training really hard to start the season off on the right foot and we’re really hoping that this year is our year after three years in the grand final without the win.”

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Reigning premiers Pints will face off against Waratahs in the early game from 6.15pm, with Tahs hoping to hit the court running.

Then from 7.30pm the Tracy Village Falcons will take on Hoggies.