Nightcliff Tigers superstar Cameron Ilett is gearing up to play in his 12th NTFL grand final
NIGHTCLIFF star Cam Ilett is embracing the pre-grand final nerves he knows all too well as he gears up for his 12th appearance in the NTFL big dance, this time against his former club St Mary’s.
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NIGHTCLIFF star Cam Ilett is embracing the pre-grand final nerves he knows all too well as he gears up for his 12th appearance in the NTFL big dance, this time against his former club St Mary’s.
Ilett won six premierships with Saints in 2008-09, 2009-10, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2015-16 and 2016-17 - where he won the Chaney Medal- and was also in three runner-up sides in 2005-06, 2010-11 and 2014-15.
Since his move to Nightcliff, Ilett has added two further premiership titles to his ever-growing trophy cabinet in 2018-19 and 2019-20, with his eyes now on a rare three-peat at his new club.
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Add on two Nichols Medal wins and the champion has done it all in the Top End game.
The evergreen forward continues to excel with 32 goals to his name so far in the 2020-21 season.
“There’s a real buzz around the club at the moment where we’re also proud of the efforts of our juniors and junior teams,” Ilett told the NT News.
“I’ve personally been very fortunate to have been part of two proud, terrific clubs in St Mary’s and now Nightcliff.
“I’ve been lucky to experience a few of these games now and there are still nerves.
“But my message to everyone is just to embrace it because if you’re nervous it’s important to you.
“Embrace it but don’t let it consume you. I just enjoy the whole aspect of the lead-up to the game, training through the week and standing there when the anthem is playing before the game.”
Nightcliff had the week off after beating Wanderers in the major semi-final, giving them time to assess their opposition.
For Ilett, another grand final face-off against his junior side will be a special one.
And with an understanding of their history he will know more than anyone not to take Saints lightly.
“It’s brilliant to be facing Saints in the final. I spent 20 plus years with them and understand the history,” Ilett said.
“They’re a proud footy club who have gone through some adversity in the past couple of weeks, but their results on the field through the season show their talent and how proud they are.
“It’s no different this time. They’re in great form and pose an enormous challenge for us.
“For us it will just come down to starting well and getting that composure right early on.
“The game will be hot and contested early, and we just need to settle those nerves and apply some scoreboard pressure early.
“We know we have a solid backline, depth in the midfield and the firepower up forward.
“We just need to put all of that together on gameday and hopefully grab some more history for the club.”
Nightcliff has been the premier side of the NTFL for the past three seasons, taking win after win in their stride.
And for the Tigers it has been about getting the right players in the side committed to playing the team role in a side full of exceptional players.
Hard-tackler Dom Brew made it four Nichols Medal winners in as many years for the club, marking their exceptional rise in recent times.
Meanwhile, Andy Moniz-Wakefield has marked himself as a true prospect for the future, slotting in as a consistent starter in a side full of firepower.
“Everyone across the board has impressed me. We have some exceptional players but we don’t rely on one or two,” Ilett said.
“We’ve been big on team footy with all 22 blokes playing a role through the season.
“Young Andy Moniz-Wakefield has come on in leaps and bounds this season.
“He’s only 17 but plays with the maturity of someone in their mid-20s.
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“I was really happy to see Brew get the Nichols – he’s a super impressive guy.
“He’s the type of player that makes you walk around slightly taller when you play with him.”
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