NOW is the time for Portland to seize its opportunity, returning forward Matt Kelly says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Tigers haven’t defeated Saturday’s opponent North Warrnambool Eagles since entering the Hampden league in 2013, and will be looking to redeem themselves after last year’s effort at Bushfield Recreation Reserve, where they kicked a confounding 1.21 (27).
But for the first time in their five Hampden seasons, the Tigers are arguably in the stronger position.
They have two wins to their credit, while the Eagles have won just once.
“I think it’s a pretty big opportunity for us,” Kelly said.
“We get a couple of Rebels kids back in and that helps.
“I think we’re a chance if we come to play.”
Kelly, who is making a slightly earlier than expected return from a torn medial ligament he suffered on Anzac Day, expects he may be called on to trade in his half-forward’s cap for a defender’s role against the Eagles at Bushfield.
He will enter a side striving to keep its winning form rolling after a gutsy win against Terang Mortlake, but they face an uphill battle with a host of injury-related forced changes.
“Obviously losing guys like James Imbi, Kyle Anson and Jesse Murray (all hamstring injuries), they’re pretty valuable players,” Kelly said. “But it worked out alright that we have some Rebels back in.”
Keegan Gray and Tylar Watts are back from their TAC Cup duties, while ruckman Ben Malcolm will also make his return from injury.
Kelly said Malcolm’s return would be a key cog to their hopes of a win.
“If we can get first use to the midfielders (it goes a long way),” he said.
“Probably on the inside (is where it will be won).
“I think if we can beat them in close, we’ve got the pace to get them on the outside as well.
“Blokes like Josh Chapman and Daniel Falcone, a couple of the the older heads, they set the tone.”