Less than 72 hours after winning Geelong West’s best-and-fairest, Tanner Lovell’s departure from the club has been confirmed.
The star midfielder, who also finished runner-up in the Mathieson Medal despite missing four games, will return to Hampden League club Portland for the 2025 season as he prepares for teaching rounds.
Portland confirmed Lovell’s return this morning via social media.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Tanner Lovell to the Portland Tigers for the 2025 season,” the Facebook post read.
“After showcasing his incredible talent and dedication to the game, Tanner is returning to where it all began, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Starting his junior career at Heywood Junior Football Club and then continuing to make his mark with us at the Tigers, Tanner developed his game and hit his stride when he moved to Geelong.
“While there, he joined the AFL Barwon Geelong West Giants and quickly caught the eye of Geelong Cats VFL selectors.”
Lovell played 56 games and kicked 29 goals for Geelong West.
He won his first Hannan Family Medal on Saturday night after posting runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2023.
Lovell also earned selection in the GFNL Team of the Year in the past two seasons.
At the Cats, he made 13 appearances across three years, including playing alongside Geelong greats Tom Hawkins and Cam Guthrie in the semi-final loss to Southport.
Lovell joins brother Kade and fellow Geelong VFL-listed Jamieson Ballantyne in heading back to the southwest.
Portland has also shown an interest in Leopold duo Connor Giddings and Harris Jennings.
However, Giddings has re-signed with the two-time reigning premier, and Jennings is unlikely to be leaving Memorial Park after starting an electrical apprenticeship with teammate Brock Williamson.
X: @krockfootball
