Ex-Tigers and Hamilton Kangaroos leader Jarrod Holt and former Heywood and Allansford mentor Jason Saunders will complement Crane as Portland aims to make its first Hampden league finals campaign in 2017.

Holt has returned to the Hanlon Park-based club in an official capacity as an assistant, while Saunders signed as director of coaching.

“Having new coaches on board has been really exciting, just to help me out and I delegate stuff now,” Crane said.

Crane said Saunders, who coached Heywood to a South West District league premiership before trying his hand at Warrnambool and District level last season, was a source of knowledge.

“He is teaching me a lot of stuff. He’s really good with the leadership and your values,” he said. “His computer work is ridiculous.”

Portland has kept the bulk of its list intact with Levi Konitzka (Adelaide) and Zach Telfer (Sydney) the only confirmed departures. 

Forward Jay Moody and endurance specialist Lochie Huppatz are training with VFL club North Ballarat Roosters.

The Tigers also have a strong presence in North Ballarat Rebels’ pre-season squad.

Tyrendarra goalkicker Dylan Barr and former Western Border league medallist James Imbi are among their inclusions.