The Tigers had recorded just one 100-point victory in their eight-year Hampden league history until Saturday.

That triumph - in round 12 of the 2016 season - came courtesy of a wooden-spoon bound Hamilton Kangaroos but ultimately led to a seventh-place finish for the Hanlon Park-based club.

Perhaps that history suggests Portland, a team which is yet to play Hampden league finals, can't get ahead of itself just yet.

While Portland was comprehensive in its demolition of Hamilton Kangaroos this past Sunday - it won by 101 points - coach Jarrod Holt knows there's work ahead.

"We thought we'd like to get a couple of early wins to give the boys a bit of confidence," Holt said of his side's start to the season.

"We hope that gives the boys the confidence to win some games later on and that they're capable of getting over the top of teams.

"We've really embraced taking the game on and playing with (belief) without worrying too much about the consequences. We're hoping that can continue."

A group of young talent is leading the charge as Portland chases that elusive finals berth. Jackson Dunlop slotted four majors, Tex Mitchell kicked three, Jamieson Ballantyne finished with two and Toby Jennings also booted two in a best-on-ground performance.

Holt can see the upside.

"Normally what you get with kids is that they're quick and keen and they're really impressing," he said.

"There's a real competitiveness there. They're all willing to dig in and have a crack to help each other out.

"There are still things to work on, absolutely. We're aware not every game is going to turn out like (the Hamilton Kangaroos result).

"There's just always more you can work on."

An injury-depleted Warrnambool, who could be missing up to five key players for its clash against Portland at The Pond on Saturday, poses opportunity and risk for the Tigers.

A victory would lift Holt's men to three and one while a loss to level their win-loss ledger to two apiece.

So what's the message for this week? "It's a new game against Warrnambool and they're a good, quality side over there," Holt said.

"They've got a couple of injuries but they've got a strong midfield."

With winnable fixtures looming after the May bye against Terang Mortlake and Cobden, things could be looking pretty rosy for Portland if it can defeat the Blues on Saturday.

Is it finally the year of the tiger in Hampden league finals?

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