Another season done and dusted, its that time of year where the foundations are laid and the important decisions are made which will decide whether next season is a success or failure for the mighty Port Melbourne Football club. Lets take a look at what we know so far.
One that won't be upsetting our Port Melbourne fan Digs (as he does not believe that ex AFL players can assist in VFL clubs success) is the departure of Fletcher Roberts. Fletcher played both last season and in 2021 and was a solid contributor and had a regular spot in the side.
The one that will break many Port Melbourne hearts for being a true club man and giving it his all is Tom O Sullivan. A very hard worker both on and off field a very approachable and likeable club person who will definitely be missed. One wonders who the next captain will be, I'm thinking that Harvey Hooper or Anthony Anastasio are in with a chance but with not so many long serving players at the club at present the list isn't huge to chose from.
Resignings - the midfield looks like it will once again be strong with the resigning of Jack Mcfarlane medalist Harvey Hooper and the hard working Wagner.
In these early days it looks like the club has some work ahead of itself if it is to reach its top 8 goal and I feel we probably need to gain around half dozen top quality VFL players whilst at the same time successfully retaining its top quality players which is always a tough task. Last time this was done saw us win a premiership, time will tell how much the extra 40 ?? k will assist in player retention. Its always a interesting time, looking forward to seeing what the off season brings us.
Where has Fletcher Roberts gone?
Fletcher will be 30 next year so has chosen VFL retirement. A good contributor but I think its fair to say he is replaceable.
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THE VFLS MOST SUCCESSFUL CLUB - THE MIGHTY PORT MELBOURNE BOROUGH!
I'M PORT MELBURNE BORN, I'M PORT MELBOURNE BRED, I'LL BE PORT UNTIL I'M DEAD!!!
Fletcher was a competitor for us but never quite hit his potential. Initially the move forward looked like an inspired change which got some immediate success, but I think injuries quite him down as the season progressed.
TOS is irreplaceable. A champion footballer and leader at the club.
I feel that Ethan Phillips will be drafted so I think we need a key defender, key forward and another big bodied ruck while our young ruckman mature.
I agree that ex AFL talent is a must to remain competitive in the curb environment.
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
Your right, he did show promise up front initially. In the practice match vs Preston he did well and won the duel vs his opponent and that was with him carrying a ankle injury. Supporters were thinking if he plays like this with a injury then he could end up having a great season but it was not to be as injuries increased...
17 PREMIERSHIPS, 19 X Runners up
THE VFLS MOST SUCCESSFUL CLUB - THE MIGHTY PORT MELBOURNE BOROUGH!
I'M PORT MELBURNE BORN, I'M PORT MELBOURNE BRED, I'LL BE PORT UNTIL I'M DEAD!!!
Port Melbourne have named their first recruit for the 2023 season.
Southport Sharks Aiden Fyfe.
https://www.portmelbournefc.com.au/queensland-youngster-joins-port-melbo...
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
Aiden Fyfe a very good pickup. Another good pickup is the winner of the best under 23 years of age player in the Tasmanian state league in Jordan Lane. At the young age of 20 he has managed to win the award and finished 5th in the TSL goal kicking only 4 goals off 3rd position. Lane also is good in the ruck and with the extra string in his bow makes him more valuable as the ruck has been a position which we have struggled to fill over the years (often our ruck men have succumbed to injury), My feeling would be although a good pickup theirs no guarantee how the transition will go to VFL due to the significant standard difference between the two competitions and as such the club should continue looking to try boost their forward line.
So far we have resigned the following quality players
Tom Campbell
Hash Holmes
Marcus Lentini
Matt Signorello
Campbell Walker
Jake Gasper
Archie Manton
Corey Wagner
Harvey Hooper.
Unlike in a few seasons ago, the past few seasons has seen Ports retention improve but I feel the club still has a bit of work to do as their will be some big shoes to fill. I'll be suprised (although delighted) if Eli Templeton and Ethan Phillips are playing for Port next season and we already know of Tom O Sullivans and Fletcher Roberts retirement.
17 PREMIERSHIPS, 19 X Runners up
THE VFLS MOST SUCCESSFUL CLUB - THE MIGHTY PORT MELBOURNE BOROUGH!
I'M PORT MELBURNE BORN, I'M PORT MELBOURNE BRED, I'LL BE PORT UNTIL I'M DEAD!!!
The Borough have been busy adding some good options for 2023.
Adding Cody Henness (Sandy), Charli Bowes (Brisbane) and Tom Hird from Essendon.
Plus a host of core re-signings.. Plenty to be excited about!
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
Will Martyn from Richmond is the latest recruit to the Borough! Averaged 19 disposals a game last year for the Tigers.
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
Corey Wagner was picked up in the draft and is bound for Fremantle. Best of luck to Wags.
* It's time to restore the VFA name.
Surprised Ethan Phillips didn't get picked up. It's been automatic for the Fothergill-Round winner for a long time now. If he doesn't get a PSSP contract somewhere will be a big bonus for Port to have him back.
Where's the rest of all my hard work gone ??? Posted heaps of info on this one but it's done a Houdini!!!
17 PREMIERSHIPS, 19 X Runners up
THE VFLS MOST SUCCESSFUL CLUB - THE MIGHTY PORT MELBOURNE BOROUGH!
I'M PORT MELBURNE BORN, I'M PORT MELBOURNE BRED, I'LL BE PORT UNTIL I'M DEAD!!!