AFTER three missed opportunities, it was a case of fourth time lucky for St Mary’s defeating Nightcliff, and it came on the biggest stage of all to claim the 2024 NTFL Men’s Premier League premiership. The Saints came from behind at quarter time to kick five goals to three across the last three terms in a hard-fought, low-scoring 5.14 (44) to 3.13 (31) win.

Already boasting a competition-high 33 flags, St Mary’s added another one to the trophy cabinet during the 13-point win at TIO Stadium. Having lost two grand finals to the Tigers in 2020-21 including when the conceded multiple goals in the dying stages of the 2021 grand final, it was sweet revenge for the green and gold.

Former Port Adelaide player Joel Garner was named best on ground in the victory in the wet slog that caused scoring to be at a premium. After not scoring a goal for around 40 minutes, St Mary’s finally broke through when leading goalkicker Jackson Calder made it count from close range.

The second goal – by Jack Landt – edged the Saints ahead by 13 points at the main break, before Calder got off the chain – comparatively – in the third by kicking a couple of crucial majors. This enabled the minor premiers to boast a 15-point lead at the final break.

Up until late in the third term, Nightcliff had only kicked the one major – thanks to Lachlan Tardrew – but a goal on the edge of the last change from John Butcher – ensured the deficit remained under three goals.

When Cooper Dahms kicked truly in the fourth, the Tigers were within striking range, but any salvation of a comeback was snuffed out when Xavier Vallejo kicked truly to ice the game for his side. After three consecutive losses this season, the Saints stepped up to win the one that counted and lift the premiership cup aloft.

Garner would finish with 25 disposals, four marks, seven clearances, three tackles and 10 inside 50s in the victory, the second highest possession winner on the ground. Nathaniel Paredes (17 disposals, six clearances, sight tackles and seven inside 50s) and Charlton Offermans (17 disposals, three clearances and six inside 50s) continually put pressure on the opposition defence.

For the Tigers, Brodie Filo had a match-high 26 disposals, as well as three marks, six clearances, six inside 50s and four rebound 50s, while Tardrew (22 disposals, four marks, three clearances, four tackles, five inside 50s and a goal) was impressive. Ryan Nyhuis (18 disposals, five marks and three rebound 50s) also tried hard from defence.

NIGHTCLIFF 1.4 | 1.7 | 2.9 | 3.13 (31)
ST MARY’S 0.3 | 2.8 | 4.11 | 5.14 (44)

GOALS:
Nightcliff: J. Butcher, L. Tardrew, C. Dahms.
St Mary’s: J. Calder 3, J. Landt, X. Vallejo

BEST:
Nightcliff: B. Filo, R. Nyhuis, L. Buxton, C. Dahms, N. Brown
St Mary’s: J. Garner, N. Paredes, J. Calder, J. Landt, D. Landt