Rookie coach Sam Scott has identified a couple of key areas he believes will be key if Portarlington is to end a winless run against Barwon Heads stretching back nearly 16 years.
The former Leopold star’s first game in charge sees the Demons in enemy territory at Howard Harmer Oval – a venue the Demons last won at in Round 2, 2010, before the Seagulls started a streak of 28 consecutive victories later in the year.
“For us, it’s about our tackle pressure and our intensity around the footy and celebrating everything,” Scott said.
“They’re a really good midfield side, and if we can match it with them in there and then provide energy and run around the ground, we can hopefully get the game on our terms.”
Four days out from his senior coaching debut, Scott is buzzing with expectation.
With some impressive recruits coupled with the talent already in place, Portarlington is expected to start the climb out of the lower reaches of the ladder.
A seventh-placed finish in 2007 is as high as the Demons have been since last playing finals in 1994.
“I’m just really excited for the whole week; the build-up and the lead-up into Round 1.
“It’s been a long time coming since I joined up as coach, so, (I’m) really excited to get out there with the boys and see how we go against the rest of the competition because you don’t really know in preseason.
“So it’ll be good to see where we’re at after all the hard work the boys have done over preseason.”
Scott was remaining tight-lipped on the make-up of his team for Saturday, but did confirm former Grovedale defender Nathan McHugh would be among the new faces.
McHugh, who played at Talent League level with the Bendigo Pioneers, spent three seasons with the Tigers.
“He’s had a terrific preseason,” Scott said.
“He’s joined our leadership group, and he’s one that really straightens us up and provides good leadership for us out on the field.”
However, Brock Williamson, who is returning from an impressive stint at GFNL club Leopold, is battling patella tendinitis and won’t play.
Scott has also ruled out former Geelong West (GFNL) star Patrick Eastman (hamstring) and the experienced Kelly Pickard (knee).
Swan Hill recruit Michael Herlihy, who is on his honeymoon, is in the final stages of recovering from a ruptured ACL and is likely to be ready by the end of April.
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