Porter signing delivers forward strength for Werribee Tigers

Josh Porter during his first stint with the Werribee Tigers. (Damian Visentini)

Werribee has lured Josh Porter back to the club for the 2018 Victorian Football League season.

It will be the key forward’s second stint with the Tigers, where he played 35 VFL games and kicked 38 goals between 2014-16.

The 23-year-old is thrilled to re-connect with some former teammates and cannot wait to be part of a new-look Tigers as they become a standalone club for the first time in 19 years.

“Obviously, going standalone is quite exciting,” Porter said.

“There are a few new faces around the club, so I’m excited to meet the boys, but there are a lot of old faces as well, so it’s good to get back into it.”

Porter had an interesting 2017.

The Murray Bushrangers product was studying teaching at East Carolina University in the US and also chasing premiership glory with the Wangaratta Magpies in the Ovens and Murray Football and Netball League.

He flew home from the US to be part of the Magpies grand final win over Albury, where he played alongside former Werribee player Ben Speight.

It was while Porter was travelling that Werribee coach John Lamont made contact with him about returning to the club.

“I came back and saw the feel around the place was really positive,” Porter said.

“Having that brand-new facility topped it off, so it was a pretty easy decision.”

Lamont was thrilled to get a commitment from Porter.

Not only is Porter going to be a key forward on the field, but with three years in the system, he can be a leader within the team.

“It’s a great thing, players returning to your club, and the blokes are excited because they realise the type of player that Josh is and what he’s going to bring to the club,” Lamont said.

“He’s got strong working relationships, he’s a popular bloke, and 196cm key forwards who are competitive don’t actually grow on trees.”