Portarlington will chase a rare third consecutive victory when it meets arch-rival Drysdale in their now traditional Anzac Day clash.
The Demons last strung together at least three wins when they started the 2008 season 2-0 after winning their last two outings of the previous year.
It’s the only time since winning their last premiership in 1994 that they’ve achieved that feat.
However, Portarlington is brimming with confidence after consecutive wins over Ocean Grove and Newcomb, with the victory over the Power off the back of the club’s highest score since 2017.
The Demons last defeated the Hawks on Anzac Day in 2018, and have only won three times on April 25 since the annual match-up started in 2009.
“It’s super exciting. It’s a big day for both clubs and a big rivalry,” Portarlington star Teia Miles, who is averaging just under 31 disposals, told K rock Football’s Beyond the Boundary.
“Drysdale have had the wood over us for the last few years
“I don’t even know how many, but we’re hoping to claw one back this Friday, and it’s going to be a really big day.”
One of the keys to Portarlington’s positive start has been the arrival of experienced ruckman Scott Greenhough.
A former Collingwood VFL player who has six senior community football premierships to his name, Greenhough has fitted in seamlessly on Sproat Street.
“He’s been a massive get for us and he’s only getting better,” Miles said.
“The experience that he brings to our side and our young ruckmen and to our young players has been absolutely crazy and so good for us.
Even players like myself and Connor (Menadue) are still learning things off him.”
Portarlington welcomes back key defender James Goetz and midfielder Riley Hayden.
They replace Ryan Salvador and Mitch Howard.
Drysdale will be boosted by the return of captain Mitch McGuire, rising star Luke Preece, and experienced defender Tim Delaney.
McGuire missed the loss to Queenscliff due to injury, while Preece was the travelling emergency for Werribee VFL.
It’s Delaney’s first appearance of the season.
They replace Ben Henderson (ankle) and newcomers Mitch Clark and James Robbins.
Portarlington has regained key defender James Goetz but lost captain Mitch Turnbull among four changes.
The Demons have also included Riley Hayden, Braydon Poole, and Liam Vagg, and Riley Hayden.
It will be Poole’s first outing of 2025, while for Vagg, it will be his first senior appearance since 2017.
Meanwhile, Newcomb has made one change for its Anzac Day night meeting with Ocean Grove at Grinter Reserve.
Mason Andrews returns after missing the loss to Portarlington at the expense of veteran Peter Gordyn.
The Grubbers will be boosted by the inclusion of Geelong VFL-listed Taj Wyburd and the return of Billy Hayward.
However, they will be without Mordialloc recruit Jai Hale, along with Joe Pierce and Nathan Down.
X: krockfootball
