PORTLAND is confident its newest marquee signing can help take its engine room to the next level.
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The Tigers have re-signed midfielder Jake Edwards after four years in Melbourne, a stint which included time at standalone VFL club Werribee.
Second-year coach Jarrod Holt said the club worked hard to finalise the deal.
"We worked pretty hard to get him for 2020 but the season didn't get up. He's finishing off uni and felt the time was right to come back," Holt said.
"He misses playing footy at home and he's a great get. He's a really quality person and a great player and we're happy to have him."
He's a good ball winner and he's hard at it. He's a good leader even though he is still fairly young.
- Jarrod Holt on Jake Edwards
Holt projected Edwards would spend the bulk of his time in the midfield.
"I think that's where we've seen him play his best footy," he said.
"He's a good ball winner and he's hard at it. He's a good leader even though he is still fairly young.
"He's definitely got leadership qualities."
Holt said the club was in touch with recruits Lee Dale and Angus Clarke about playing at Hanlon Park in 2021.
"We're hopeful. We're waiting to see at the moment," he said.
"We're still very interested. What was happening in Victoria (with coronavirus) was a bit of a barrier as Lee is in Queensland and Angus is in Adelaide at the moment.
"We'll wait to see but things are looking a lot more promising. Hopefully we'll get them back over the line."
Holt said Portland would begin its formal pre-season training on November 23.
He said recruiting was ongoing but felt the club's current list was well-positioned.
"We want to look after the guys we have here first and foremost, that's important to us," Holt said.
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