Speculation that Leopold spearhead Connor Giddings was considering a return to his home club, Portland, has proven on the mark.
The Hampden league outfit has confirmed the return of the GFNL leading goalkicker and Team of the Year full-forward on social media this (Sunday) morning.
“What makes this signing even more special is that Connor is a Portland junior, with his family still proudly based in the area,” Portland said in a statement on Facebook.
“His return continues our club’s commitment to bringing home locally grown talent as we build something truly special from within our own community-driven playing group.”
Gididngs joined Leopold in 2021, and in his five seasons at Memorial Park, he played 80 games and kicked 162 goals.
He appeared in the Lions’ grand final loss to St Mary’s in 2022, which was followed by consecutive premierships in 2023-24.
Giddings’ 68 goals this year were the most in a home-and-away season in the GFNL since Jarrod Garth booted 90 in 2017.
He joins premiership teammate Harris Jennings in returning to Portland, bringing the number of players from the Lions’ 2024 success who have retired or will play elsewhere in 2026 to 14.
Meanwhile, South Barwon has welcomed home veteran forward Andrew Boseley after a two-year stint at GDFNL club Anakie.
Boseley, 33, won the league goalkicking with 73 majors and was named in the Team of the Year in 2025 as the Roos ended a 27-year finals drought.
He won the GFNL goalkicking title in 2019.
X: @krockfootball
