Demons busy off-field as 2023 season nears

PORTARLINGTON Football Netball Club hopes an extensive recruiting drive will bring it back into the spotlight on the field and on the court, while several off-pitch developments will make 2023 a year to remember.

Demons head of marketing and sponsorship Darren Hellmann said the club was encouraged by progress towards facility upgrades, and planning continued for large-scale projects under the City of Greater Geelong’s Portarlington Reserve Masterplan.

Among the litany of changes, the Demons will be making improvements to its fencing on Ron Evans Oval in partnership with local business Think Fencing.

“We are very excited to be working with Think Fencing on the supply and installation of new state-of-the-art recycled plastic fencing on the main oval,” Mr Hellmann said.

“This will certainly add to the appearance of the ground and will make your sponsor signs stand out even more.

“The timeline for this is six to seven weeks, which should have it completed before our Round 1 home clash with Newcomb.”

Portarlington is also investing in the installation of behind-the-goal netting at each end of the ground.

The Demons are “well down the track” for installation of its new electronic scoreboard, awaiting funding promised by Labor during last year’s federal election.

Mr Hellmann said he expected funds to reach the club’s accounts between March and April, meaning completion would occur by May or June.

“This will obviously significantly add to the aesthetics of the ground and give us additional opportunities to promote our valuable sponsors.”

Portarlington FNC will also host its annual corporate golf day held at the Portarlington Golf Club on March 10.

A team of four costs $320 ($80 each) which includes breakfast, lunch, golf, entertainment and a showbag for your team, with hole sponsorships also available for $600.

The Demons has already started taking bookings for the Kelvin Vagg “Superbox”,with Round 1’s bookings half-sold and Round 11’s bookings already sold out.

For any sponsorship enquiries, email Darren Hellman at [email protected]