James Imbi was sidelined in the first 10 minutes, Kyle Anson was forced off in the third quarter and in the last Jesse Murray – who was returning from a hamstring injury – joined the casualities.

Despite having no bench in the final term, the Tigers held on to defeat the Bloods 11.8 (74) to 9.12 (66).

“It wasn’t a pretty game of footy but in the end we were lucky to get the win,” Portland coach Luke Crane said.

“We were up all day but just couldn’t put them away and … they actually had the momentum. I thought we were gone, but to our boys’ credit they fought back.”

The Tigers led by two goals at half-time and maintained the lead as the Bloods squandered chances in the third, kicking 3.6 to the home side’s four goals straight.

Josh Champman kicked the sealer for Portland in the final term, capping an impressive outing which saw him kick two goals and worry Terang Mortlake with his tackling and pressure.

Young ruckman Toby Oakley, 16, stepped up and impressed in the absence of Ben Malcolm, who was a withdrawal from the side.

“He actually played last night in the under 16s, which I didn’t know about when I picked him,” Crane said on Saturday. “He held his own; he was fantastic.”

Bloods coach Michael Sargeant said he was happier with what his charges offered than in previous losses.

“There were a lot of areas that we really, really liked.”