Evans, in his first Hampden league game as senior coach, thought the Seagulls were home when they edged 14 points clear at a wet and windy Hanlon Park.

But a goal to the Tigers’ Jay Moody at the 23-minute mark reduced the deficit.

“The last quarter went 31 minutes. I was hoping for 27 minutes,” he said after the 11.9 (75) to 10.8 (68) victory.

“It was great for team morale. I’ve only been at the club last year. We lost a few tight ones and you could tell the disappointment in the group. To travel away and get the win in those conditions was great.”

Evans was delighted his side was able to win without star midfielders Aaron Shields (unavailable) and Daniel Nicholson (foot injury).

“If we can win a few games without them, it’s a good sign.”

Young midfielder Isaac Martin was best on ground while recruit Dylan Herbertson was pivotal in defence.

Evans said the Seagulls were outplayed in the second term by the Tigers as their quarter-time lead was wiped out. 

But two late goals, one on the half-time siren, restored their lead and momentum heading into the second half.

Recruit Liam Haworth kicked three goals playing deep forward, as did Robbie Hare, while recruit Guy Phelps was important down back before going forward in the final term.

Portland coach Luke Crane said Port Fairy’s bigger bodied players had been the difference in the conditions.

“To the boys’ credit we had a crack,” he said.

“We kept making the small mistakes all day but to Port Fairy’s credit they were all right. They had some really strong bodies around the ball.”

He said the conditions worked against his younger, slightly-built teammates.

“In the end, we did have our chances and couldn’t capitalise,” he said.