Port Melbourne News

From The Sunday Age
Reported by John Pierick
Full article - click here

Carlton midfielder Nick Graham enhanced his hopes of a senior recall with an impressive performance in Saturday's VFL season opener against Port Melbourne.

While the Northern Blues were beaten by 29 points at North Port Oval, Graham finished with 37 disposals. His work at the stoppages was strong and he provided plenty of drive on a wet afternoon when the Borough faithful rallied around their club on a "Call to Arms" day.

Advertisement

Shane Valenti at full stretch for Port Melbourne.Shane Valenti at full stretch for Port Melbourne.

From localfooty.com.au and the Port Phillip Leader
Reported by Paul Amy
 
GARY Ayres often refers to Shane Valenti as “the little champ’’.

“I love him,’’ the Port Melbourne mentor has said more than once in the past few months, reflecting an affection that coaches reserve for players who won them premierships.

But Ayres has applied some “tough love’’ to Valenti as the two-time JJ Liston Trophy winner embarks on a comeback to the VFL at the age of 30.

Valenti left Port at the end of the end of the 2014 season after a 149-game career that earned him a string of accolades.

He joined Noble Park in 2015, only to suffer a serious injury to his left knee.

After a reconstruction, Valenti resumed playing last season at Old Haileybury in the VAFA. But as early as last September’s Liston count he was making noises about rejoining the Borough.

He signed a few days ago after a pre-season in which he admits he had some “touchy’’ talks with his 2011 premiership coach.

Valenti said Ayres presented him with “what if’’ scenarios that he sometimes didn’t want to hear.

What if you’ve lost a bit of your nip?

What if the knee doesn’t hold up?

Sandringham too strong for Port Melbourne

From The Age
Reported by Brent Diamond
Full article - Click here

Sandringham had the answers when it mattered most against Port Melbourne to win an intense elimination final by 45 points at North Port Oval on Sunday.
 
Dylan Weickhardt of Sandringham handballs during the VFL elimination final match between Port Melbourne and Sandringham.

 

Dylan Weickhardt of Sandringham handballs during the VFL elimination final match between Port Melbourne and Sandringham. Photo: Graham Denholm/AFL Media

 

The Zebras, who meet reigning premier Williamstown in next Saturday's semi-final at North Port Oval, appeared galvanised after a turbulent finish to the home and away season, in which they lost six of their last seven matches.

North Port Oval not up to standard

From the Port Phillip Leader

This article appeared during the week detailing the continuing problems facing North Port Oval that have plagued the playing surface in recent weeks.

Hopefully  the ground conditions improve and we have some drier weather in the lead up to September action or the VFL may consider moving games away from the ground.

 

From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Paul Amy
Full article - Click here

THE conditions were miserable. It was cold, a biting breeze blew to the Williamstown Rd end of North Port Oval, the ground was heavy with water and in some places thick with mud, and there was on-and-off rain.

From the Caulfield Glen Eira Leader
Reported by Paul Amy
Full article - Click here

AT Port Melbourne, he was not just Frank Johnson. He was “the legendary Frank Johnson’’ or “the great Frank Johnson’’.

A champion ruckman who crossed the bridge from association to league football with ease late in his career, Johnson died yesterday at the age of 84.

In 2007 he was the first (and remains the only) VFA player to be inducted to the Australian football hame of fame.

Johnson was at Port from 1950-57, winning five best and fairests and the 1952 JJ Liston Trophy, playing in eight consecutive grand finals and the 1953 premiership team, and gaining selection in the 1953 and ‘56 All Australian sides.

He also coached the Borough in 1956-57.

Frank Johnson marking in the 1952 VFA grand final against Oakleigh.
Johnson then coached South Warrnambool in 1958-59 and the following year joined South Melbourne, which had coveted his signature for some years.

In his first season as a Swan he won the best and fairest at age 27, edging out Bobby Skilton. He stayed with South until 1964, notching 64 games.

Pages