The Tigers take on Port Fairy at Gardens Oval on Saturday, eager to consolidate after their round one Hampden league win against fellow top five hopeful Terang Mortlake.

Crane said the Tigers’ ability to hold off a fast-finishing Bloods outfit and carve out a three-point win was a confidence-booster.

The former Sturt midfielder, who was named in the Tigers’ best on debut, said it was a pleasing way to start the season.

“We’ve got a lot of improvement still to go but everything we have been practicing and doing at training, the boys were trying to implement,” he said.

“Basic skill errors in the end was what cost us.

“In terms of game plan, the boys stuck to it to a tee and we were pretty happy with that.”

Crane joined Portland in the off-season after a seven-year stint in the SANFL.

The 170-centimetre dynamo played a key role for the Double Blues, winning a Magarey Medal in 2008.

Crane said he had settled into the Hampden league and the south-west lifestyle.

“I am enjoying having a role at the club as an assistant coach to help Jake,” he said.

“There is a bit more to it, I must admit.

“I don’t envy Jake at the moment, I’m glad he’s got the top job and I am just helping.

“The club is really professional and is really well run.

“There are a few things me and Jake will tinker with but the boys are dedicated.

“A lot of the boys are turning up three nights a week which I probably didn’t expect to be honest.”

Crane said teenager Jake Edwards had impressed him and rated Jay Moody, Jake Hawker, Nathan Haylock and Charlie Woodford as other up and coming players at Hanlon Park.

“Jake (Edwards) is my little protégé, being a little bloke,” he said.

“I love the way he goes about it, his attack on the footy and his pace.”

“We have good depth with the kids.”

Portland will be without Rhys Egan (hamstring) and Daniel Falcone (overseas) against the Seagulls on Saturday.