‘Sweet’ victory as Calder ends season with 63 goals and Chaney Medal
ST MARY’S star full forward Jackson Calder has capped off an unbelievable year in front of the posts, winning the best on ground Chaney Medal in the NTFL grand final.
If winning the Dennis Dunn best goal kicker award after booting 58 goals in the regular season wasn’t enough, Calder added a further five in the grand final to secure the Chaney.
Those goals were hugely important for the side that has had their fair share of grand final heartbreak in recent years, losing consecutive finals to Nightcliff Tigers.
But against Waratah, everything clicked for the side and they found themselves with all the momentum post the opening quarter.
“It’s so sweet after losing those two in the past couple of years, we’ve worked so hard for this. It’s the best,” Calder said. “It’s a good honour to get best on ground, it’s not why you play and I was a bit surprised as we had a number of good mids but it’s good to see a forward get a prize.”
Calder was always going to be one of the focal points in the grand final, with his big frame up forward a key target for the Green Machine’s mids.
However, Waratah backline star Daniel O’Dwyer had the big forward’s number last time the two met in the semi-final.
That contest was key to the outcome of the game and this time, with the support of his on-ballers, Calder managed to gain the upper hand.
“I was lucky to get a few goals. He’s probably the toughest opponent I’ve had up here and has had my measure this season so I was really keen to get the job done,” Calder said. “Everyone played well. Our midfield was brilliant, the usual suspects in Nate Paredes and Josh Smithson.
“We didn’t have any passengers and that’s what wins you games.”
For the dry season, Calder has committed to staying in Darwin rather than heading back to the Mornington Bulldogs, where he slotted 69 goals from 13 games in 2021. “I might go off to Cairns to play a few games for the Cairns Lions but I intend to enjoy the dry season up here mostly,” Calder said. “I just love the lifestyle. … If I’m still here next year I will definitely be playing at Saints once again hoping to go back to back.”