Portarlington has struck two important recruiting blows to build on its 2024 campaign.
The Demons have added former Geelong VFL forward Tom Panuccio and experienced ruckman Scott Greenhough from Essendon and District club Deer Park.
Originally from Euroa, where he played Talent League with the Murray Bushrangers, Panuccio made 20 appearances for the Cats during his two years aligned with GFNL club Newtown & Chilwell.
He spent this year with WAFL club Swan Districts but could not break into their senior team.
Incoming coach Darren Findlay says a connection at Portarlington helped land the 22-year-old.
“I had nothing to do with Tom in the recruitment stage; he’d already been approached by someone in the club, and he jumped on board straight away,” Findlay said. “That was a pretty easy fix for us, really.
“We’ll most likely use Tom in multiple roles throughout the year.
“But, we’re just really happy that we’ve picked up a really quality player.
“He’s got a background with the Talent League, VFL, and the experience in those competitions is invaluable.
Greenhough started his football career at Hoppers Crossing and spent time on the list of Talent League club Western Jets.
He made 14 VFL appearances for Collingwood between 2013-15, during which time he transferred to Deer Park.
Greenhough played in five consecutive Western Region Division 1 premierships for the Lions between 2015-19.
He also helped Deer Park to a flag in its first year in the Essendon and District League in 2023.
Greenhough finished third in the Lions’ best-and-fairest this year.
“We’re really rapt we’ve got Scotty on board,” Findlay said. “We got on the front foot pretty early and spoke to him.
“We knew he’d moved down this week, and the travel was playing on his mind playing at Deer Park.”
“He’ll be a massive bonus for us; without a doubt, he is the best ruckman in the Essendon and District League and probably was the best ruckman in the WRFL for a long time.
“He provides a lot of strength and a bit of knowledge, too.”
The Demons have also added former Bendigo Pioneers-listed Caleb Kennedy.
Kennedy, who has the ability to play in the midfield or at half-back, spent two years at the Pioneers but hasn’t played since mid-2022 due to injury.
“He should be an asset for us,” Findlay said.
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