Wangaratta’s premiership hopes have suffered a major blow with star forward Josh Porter set to sign with Werribee.
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A club spokesperson from the VFL outfit told The Border Mail on Wednesday afternoon it’s expecting to announce Porter’s signing shortly.
The blockbusting centre half-forward played a crucial role in the Pies’ premiership win over Albury last September.
Veteran Daine Porter, who confirmed his retirement immediately after the game, labelled it the best win of his career, given the Tigers’ powerhouse status over the past decade.
Josh Porter is now part of O and M folklore after his bizarre season.
He’d returned to his home club after three years with Werribee, playing 23 senior games in his final two seasons.
However, midway through the year he travelled to the US to attend university, as had been the plan.
It was uncertain though whether he would return as the Pies launched a title bid.
But a nine-day window opened up late and Porter was able to return to Australia just before the preliminary final.
In his first game for nine weeks, Porter had a quiet first half against Yarrawonga, but he exploded in the final term as the Pies came from a 15-point deficit to win a thriller.
He then took a series of strong marks against the Tigers before the 16,000-kilometre trip back to the US hours after the game.
Porter’s return to the higher level will be privately welcomed by opposition clubs, although it’s disappointing to lose the league’s top pack-marker.
His size (196cms), mobility and the ability to mark the ball at its highest point combined to make him unstoppable.
Wangaratta has now lost two of the three gun forwards from the grand final.
Tom Whittlesea moved back to South Australia, leaving Michael Newton, who kicked eight goals.