Portarlington has landed its second big fish of the Bellarine off-season after unveiling one-time GFNL leading goalkicker Connor Giddings.
Giddings’ signing follows that of fellow two-time Leopold premiership player Harris Jennings earlier this month.
Recruited to the Lions from Hampden League club Portland ahead of the 2021 season, he played 88 games and kicked 162 goals in green and gold, topping the GFNL goalkicking with 68 majors in 2025.
Like Jennings, Giddings spent this year with Portland, kicking 59 goals to help the Tigers reach a semi-final. He also earned selection in the Hampden League team of the year.
“At just 25 years of age, Connor arrives at the Demons with an outstanding football resume and a reputation as one of the region’s most dangerous forwards,” a statement on Portarlington’s Facebook page said.
“A powerful contested mark with a natural ability to find the goals, Connor will bring a huge presence to our forward line.”
The addition of Giddings and Jennings brings the number of Leopold premiership players on Portarlington’s list to four, joining coach Sam Scott and 2024 GFNL grand final best-on-ground Brock Williamson.
Meanwhile, Surf Coast has confirmed to K rock Football the arrival of South Barwon trio Austin Shepherd, Aaron Vickery and Fin Brown.
All three featured in the Swans’ reserves premiership win this year.
Shepherd was part of South Barwon’s senior grand final teams in 2023 and 2024 but failed to break into the senior team this year.
Vickery made one senior appearance in 2026 – the Swans’ qualifying final win over Newtown & Chilwell – for a total of 15 matches.
Brown – a Torquay junior – played a lone senior match in 2024
X: @krockfootball
