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PORTLAND has received a timely boost for its next crucial Western Border Football League assignment against reigning premier West Gambier at Hanlon Park tomorrow.
Inspirational captain Rhys Egan and experienced defender Vaughan Hockley are set to return to the line-up.
They will be joined by North Ballarat Rebels representative and exciting ruck prospect Ben Malcolm.
Senior playing coach Jarrod Holt indicated that while the club’s two other Rebels, Nathan Haylock and Jaydon Stiles, were also available, it was unlikely they would play due to school football commitments.
“They’ve got a big workload and I know the Rebels’ coaches are keen for them to have the weekend off, so they probably won’t play with us,” Holt told the Portland Observer.
“But we’ll definitely have Ben Malcolm playing this week.”
The return of Egan and Hockley, along with the availability of Malcolm, represents important inclusions for the Tigers.
“Rhys is obviously our captain,” Holt said.
“He’s a good leader for us through the midfield and he’s a quality player.
“He’s an important player for us.”
Hockley is also recognised as an onfield leader and an integral component of the side’s defensive structure. “He’s always able to take one of the best tall forwards,” Holt said.
“I know he’s always tough to play on.”
Malcolm is an emerging talent who will enhance the Tigers’ tall timber stocks.
Read more in Friday’s edition of the Portland Observer.
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