It certainly is a changing of the guard down at the Borough where members remaining from its historic 2011 season is now down to single digits.
Port Melbourne farewelled dual ‘Frosty’ Miller medallist Dean Galea, ruckman Wayde Skipper and premiership players Billy Burstin, Nathan Batsanis and Michael Dillon. More than 500 VFL games depart with that quintet while Johnstone was also an 80 game player.
While it leaves a Grand Canyon-like void, Port Melbourne secured a bevy of ex-AFL players headed by James Magner who is a ball magnet and has dominated previously at this level. So, too Marcus Marigliani, who brings experience, class and leadership. Chris Michaliades represented the VFL last year; there’s never been a knock on Daniel Connors ability and Tynan, Davies and Browne are all good acquisitions.
Although the Borough made the finals last year there was a vast discrepancy between its best and worst. Maybe the arrival of so many new and quality players will take Port Melbourne back up the ladder.
FAST FACTS
Coach: Gary Ayres (7th year)
Captain: John Baird
Affiliate: VFL stand alone
Last season record: 9-8-1
Last season finish: 6th
Best & fairest: Chris Cain
Welcome: James Magner (Melbourne), Marcus Marigliani (Sandringham), Chris Michaelides (Sandringham), Shannon Lange (Bendigo), Marcus Davies (Carlton), Luke Tynan (Casey Scorpions), Daniel Connors (ex-Richmond), Alex Browne (Sydney Swans), Rob Eddy (Stony Creek), Will Johnson (Box Hill), David Fanning (Aberfeldie), Seb Henderson (Mulgrave), Ryan Pantic (Broadbeach), , Shannon Lange (Benigo), Sandy Robinson (Geelong VFL) Scott Clarke (Brisbane Lions reserves/Morningside)
Farewell: Dean Galea (Avondale Heights), Wayde Skipper (Hoppers Crossing), Bill Burstin, Marc Johnstone (Noble Park), Nathan Batsanis (Richmond), Michael Dillon (Red Hill), Clayton Hinkley (Warracknabeal), Danny Hughes
Follow on twitter: @PortMelbourneFC
Last Modified on 26/03/2014 18:01