Portarlington has strengthened its defence with the signing of Nathan McHugh from GFNL club Grovedale.
Originally from Kangaroo Flat, McHugh played 50 games in three seasons with the Tigers.
However, it’s a year he spent with the QAFL club Broadbeach that has helped the Bellarine club land the former Bendigo Pioneer.
McHugh shared a house with current Demon Riley Hayden, who he had never previously met, when both ventured north in 2022.
“Just completely random strangers sharing a house,” new Portarlington playing coach Sam Scott, who has arrived from Leopold, said.
“They were there for a year, and Riley went back to Leopold, and Nathan went to Grovedale.
They stayed in contact, and they’re good friends.
“Nathan’s number came across my path when I took the job on, and then I actually played on him at a Burdoo Reserve, and I thought, ‘Yeah. I definitely want to get this fella across’.”
Scott is also impressed by 25-year-old McHugh’s leadership attributes.
“He was part of Grovedale’s leadership group this year,” Scott said.
“What you need from a key defender is someone who commands different things from the other defenders.
“I think he’s going to set up our team really well from behind the footy.”
McHugh, who, unless the Bellarine league is granted Premier League status, will be a four-pointer, is the fifth signing announced by Portarlington, which includes Scott, and the second from Grovedale.
Tyler Cummins returns to the Demons after two seasons at the Tigers, winning their best-and-fairest in 2024.
Also back in red and navy blue is Brock Williamson, who won two premierships with Leopold alongside Scott.
Portarlington has also announced former Leopold forward Sam McDonald, who spent this year with Glenthompson Dunkeld, as joining the club.
There are no confirmed departures from the Demons. However, Scott said veteran duo Nick Sing and Jack Dorgan, who joined the club ahead of the 2025 season, are weighing up their futures.
“We’re still working through whether their retirement plans are coming to fruition, or they’re just going to sort of see how the body feels over the next couple of months,” Scott said.
“So there’s nothing confirmed there.
“But, if those two do roll out, then we’ve got plenty of young people to fill their spots.”
X: @krockfootball
