Three Nightcliff premierships in as many years places them in elite company in NT football

Coach Chris Baksh and his Nightcliff players in rarefied air after winning three senior premierships in a row

Nightcliff’s 2020-21 grand final win lifted coach Chris Baksh and his players into elite company in the NTFL’s long history. Picture: Che Chorley

CHRIS Baksh joined an elite group of NTFL coaches when he led Nightcliff to its sixth Premier League flag.

The man who took over the coaching reins at Tigerland from Troy Coates has been at the helm for the 2019, ‘20 and ‘21 flags.

Only Buffaloes coaches George Liveris (1949-52), Aldo Rossetto (1968-70), John Taylor at St Mary’s (1984-88, ‘90-92 and ‘94-96) and Damian Hale at St Mary’s (2003-05) have coached three flags in as many seasons.

“I’m very, very proud of what I’ve achieved after coming from a small town in Victoria to Nightcliff,’’ Baksh told the NT News.

“I guess I’ve worked hard to get there, but I’ve had some great support around me and that’s been a huge factor in the club’s success.’’

Baksh said the two weeks preparation since beating Wanderers in the second semi-final had been tough.

“The playing group and the coaching staff found the lead-up and the grand final far from easy,’’ he added.

“It might have been a great game of footy for the fans, but for the rest of us it was a real struggle.’’

The 20-21 decider had everything a grand final should have, including momentum changes, individual brilliance, big hits and a never say die attitude from both sides..

“A bit of luck went our way at the end when we came back,’’ Baksh said.

We spoke about when we’d put Butch (John Butcher) in the ruck and it worked a treat.

“And putting (Tom) Boyd on Raph Clarke nullified him just enough to get us home.’’

Baksh has a year left on his coaching contract.

“I’m pretty sure I want to be around Nightcliff footy club for a while,’’ he grinned.