Reigning Peter Jackson VFL premiers Port Melbourne will this Saturday unfurl their 2011 premiership flag in the ABC TV match of the round against the Werribee Tigers. Port coach Gary Ayres will be looking to try and extend his clubs current winning streak to 23 games in a row, after claiming their 22nd scalp last weekend against Frankston. The Werribee Tigers, who were led by new coach Scott West to their first win last weekend, will be aiming to bring Port’s winning streak to an end in the ABC TV game, which kicks off at 1pm Saturday.
For Ayres, the round two clash and unfurling of the flag will be a memorable moment for the club and its supporters, celebrating their first premiership since 1982 – and the 16th in the clubs history.
“The unfurling of the flag is the final recognition of what we achieved in what was a remarkable year. It is terrific to have our fans at home joining us because they played a big part in the 2011 premiership with their support not only at games but training as well,” Ayres said.
“It is very easy to think of what was special and how it made everyone feel and how much joy it brought to the supporters, players, the families, the coaches and support staff.”
West, having started his senior coaching record in fine style last week against North Ballarat, is looking forward to going head to head with Ayres, and challenging his side in round two against the reigning premiers.
“The approach we will be taking into this game will be no different to any others during the year. Our players are really excited about playing in a big game against the team that is the bench mark and a team and club that we have the greatest respect for,” West said.
“What this game does is gives us a great opportunity early in the year to measure our sleeves against the best.”
Seeing Port Melbourne unfurl their premiership flag on Saturday, West hopes the moment sticks with his players, and spurs them on for season 2012.
“I’m not really sure how the unfurling of the flag will affect either team, I know it will be a proud moment for Gary and his players, and I’m sure it will be motivation for them early in the game so our start will be important,” West said.
“For us I hope our players stand there and appreciate the moment and use it as motivation to be in the same position next year at our home ground.”
Port will be bolstered this weekend by the return of Grand Final best on ground Toby Pinwill, and well as premiership player Hug Sandilands. Werribee will be hoping to celebrate a win for new recruit Ben Ross who will play his 50th VFL game. The match will also see another Port premiership player take to the field in Malcolm Lynch, who will be lining up for Werribee after being rookied by Werribee’s aligned AFL club North Melbourne last December.
If Port Melbourne records their 23rd win in a row this weekend, it will equal the Northern Blues’ (then Preston) winning streak of a current club in the VFL of 23 wins in a row, set between 1984-85. North Melbourne holds the all time VFA/VFL winning streak record, going undefeated from 1914 to 1919, collecting premierships in 1914, 1915 and 1918. During this period the club won 58 consecutive matches including 49 successive premiership matches.
Port Melbourne versus Werribee Tigers, live on ABC TV from 1pm Saturday.
Last Modified on 30/03/2012 19:31