Portland has adhered to that famous quote, bolstering its off-field coaching department as it strives to burst through for its first Hampden league finals campaign after four fruitless seasons.

Coach Luke Crane will have experienced duo Jarrod Holt, himself a former Tigers mentor, and Heywood premiership mentor-turned Allansford leader Jason Saunders as his right-hand men in 2017.

Crane is using their input to tweak the Tigers’ game style.

“The defensive side of our game we’ve been working on a lot more this pre-season,” he said.

“We’ve always been pretty attacking, which is the kind of footy I like, but I guess with Saundy coming in it opened my eyes a bit to be a little bit more defensive with how we set up.

“I think we’ll still have an attacking mindset for sure but we’ll be a little bit harder on our defensive actions.”

Portland hopes Tyrendarra recruit Dylan Barr and Matt Kelly can help cover Jay Moody and Levi Konitzka – two of their top-three goalkickers last season – in attack. 

Crane said Barr was a big-bodied hit-up forward with a strong presence. 

“He can play deeper or up high and could pinch-hit through the midfield,” he said.

Hard-working midfielder-small forward Josh Chapman returns to the club after battling shoulder problems, while teenager Tylar Watts, a ruckman-cum-key position prospect who has made Greater Western Victoria Rebels’ 2017 list, has crossed from South Gambier.

Crane is hopeful the Tigers’ finals drought will break.

“Most of the boys are keen on making finals, which is obviously everyone’s goal,” he said.

“We’ve certainly put stuff in place to hopefully achieve that.”​

Draw

R1: Cobden (H)

R2: Hamilton Kangaroos (Anzac Day, night)

R3: Warrnambool (H)

R4: Koroit (A)

R5: Terang Mortlake (H)

R6: North Warrnambool Eagles (A)

R7: Camperdown (H)

R8: South Warrnambool (A)

R9: Port Fairy (H)

R10: Cobden (A)

R11: Hamilton Kangaroos (H)

R12: Warrnambool (A)

R13: Koroit (H)

R14: Terang Mortlake (A)

R15: North Warrnambool Eagles (H)

R16: Camperdown (A)

R17: South Warrnambool (H)

R18: Port Fairy (A)

2016 best and fairest

1st: Ben Malcolm

2nd: Daniel Falcone

3rd: Nathan Haylock

2016 most goals

1st: Jay Moody 29

2nd: Jesse Murray 24

3rd: Levi Konitzka 23

Arrivals

Tylar Watts (WBFL), Josh Chapman (returning), James Imbi (Heywood), Jason Saunders (Allansford), Dylan Barr (Tyrendarra), Brodie Fishwick (returning).

Departures

Levi Konitzka (South Australia), Jay Moody (VFL), Jamaine Jones (Geelong, AFL), Zach Telfer (work commitments).

Player to watch

NATHAN HAYLOCK: Swingman who can hold down centre half-back or centre half-forward. Finished third in club best and fairest last season after playing both roles but could be used to fill voids in defence this season. Strong aerobic capacity ensures he gives repeat efforts whatever position he plays. Ran a 15.4 beep test after the Christmas break.