Reigning NTFL premier Nightcliff firmly on track to play in a third consecutive NTFL grand final

Nightcliff dominates for two quarters, works hard for one and consolidates in the last against finals hopefuls the Buffaloes

Cameron Ilett and Nightcliff are on track for another trip to grand final day. Picture: Celina Whan AFLNT/Media

CAMERON Ilett and Nightcliff are ready for another finals campaign, complete with a 30-strong playing list.

That was Ilett’s reply to a question on where the 2020-21 Tigers were at in terms of winning a third Premier League flag in as many years.

Grand final success this season will double Nightcliff’s premiership tally and lift them to champion status after years in the doldrums.

Ilett was not entirely happy with his side’s 87-point demolition of a disappointing Darwin Buffaloes at Marrara on Saturday night.

The Tigers were held scoreless in the third quarter after booting 17 goals in the first half and only three in the second.

“Our expectations and goals remain the same and that’s to play finals footy and hopefully win premierships,’’ Ilett told the NT News.

“That was the case last weekend when we made it a big focus to start well and make an impact early.

“That’s exactly what we did, but a lot of credit must go to the Buffaloes and the way they responded in the second half.

“We probably didn’t maintain the same level of intensity, particularly around the ball, that we needed to and they were able to tighten things up.’’

But the final margin was enough to add nine percentage points to Nightcliff’s tally.

A Round 14 clash with closest rival St Mary’s looms on Sunday night at DM NO Oval.

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