Rhys Egan will captain Portland in its first season in the HFNL.
RHYS Egan is set to create Portland history by becoming the first Tiger to lead the club in a Hampden football league match.
The 26-year-old midfielder is captain of the Hampden Football Netball League newcomer.
Speaking before training last night at Hanlon Park, Egan, who led the club last year, said he hadn’t thought much about the significance of being the inaugural skipper as the Tigers embark on a new era.
“I’m just excited about the challenge and leading the side in a new competition, it will certainly be different,” he said.
Egan said the shift to the HFNL had generated more enthusiasm among players and interest in the town.
He said annual practice matches against Koroit had given him and his players an insight into what they could expect this season.
“You do notice the ball movement is very good in their side,” he said.
“We have a pretty young side and our attack is pretty good on the footy.”
The pre-season started early for the club in December and he said his teammates were excited about the season ahead.
“There are probably a few more trying to do that extra bit, in the gym here at the club,” Egan said.
“You do notice there is a bit more talk around the town.”
The builder said the club had been buoyed with more than 40 players hitting the track each night in the build-up to the Tigers’ debut against Port Fairy at Hanlon Park.