Oakley, a former junior interleague skipper, has returned to the Hampden league after a short stint at Wimmera outfit Stawell Warriors.

Tigers coach Jarrod Holt said the club had choices to make at the selection table on Thursday night.

Holt said former coach Tom Sharp would return from concussion but was otherwise unsure of the makeup of his side ahead of its clash with Terang Mortlake on Saturday.

He said Portland was delighted to have Oakley, one of its own, back at the club.

"He's a really talented player. We've had Benny Malcolm doing really well in the ruck and playing a lot of time but it's a long season," he said.

"Toby is also capable of playing key forward or back and while Benny has been doing 90 per cent of the ruck work, going hard and has been excellent, it'll be good to give him a bit of relief.

"(Oakley) might play in the twos to start with. We'll have to wait and see as we have a few boys with niggling injuries. Toby will be in the mix."

Holt said while his side had built a gameplan to suit its smaller stature, Oakley would be a welcome addition.

He said it gave his side versatility.

"Having both lads probably does strengthen us up the spine and while we've been pretty small and that's suited the way we're playing, we'll be a better side with Toby there," he said.

"He's good friends with a lot of the boys there and it's kind of a nice feeling when they're all local lads and we've been going OK.

"It's a good feeling for the boys and it's a good place to be."

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