Portarlington launches 150th year celebrations

PORTARLINGTON Football Netball Club’ 150th year celebrations begin today (Friday, March 29) when the club’s senior sides meet Newcomb at Portarlington Recreation Reserve.

Portarlington FNC board member Anne Mathieson said the town had been bubbling with excitement for at least the past month, as volunteers have been frantically working behind the scenes to prepare for a bumper Good Friday.

“It’s such an exciting year for the club and being a Life Member, as well as two of my family members, the energy from the community has been so amazing and warming.

“We’re just focused on getting a few runs on the board for our supporters and that all begins with Round 1.

“The real big change we’ve noticed over the past couple years, with president Steve’s [Cogger] leadership, has been the emphasis on being ‘one club’.

“Our netball and football programs feel embraced by one another and when one program succeeds, the whole club succeeds.”

L-R: Portarlington junior footballers Xavier Underwood, Oscar Underwood, Reef Ansell, Harry Dowling-Button, and Liam O’Meara joined by senior players Stephen “Bear” Walton (back-left) and Mitch Turnbull (back-right). Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

Today’s matchday proceedings will involve a past players day, with past players also forming guards of honours before both the A Grade netball game and the Senior football game.

A luncheon will also be held by the club with committee representatives recapping the clubs history and revealing newly installed displays of the club’s previous premierships.

The club will also unveil the football ground’s new electronic scoreboard ahead of the Reserves football game at noon.

Portarlington FNC netball director Emily Hoare said she has been at the club for the past 12 years and joining was one of the best decisions of her life.

“I’m actually based near Bannockburn, so I drive past a lot of other clubs to get to Portarlington, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Portarlington is my home, my family, ever since I first joined the club has made me feel extremely welcome and connected to the people here.”

L-R: Portarlington FNC netballers Candice Bull, Jamison Camilleri, Mia Keily, and Marlee Bull on the club’s main court.

Senior men’s coach Warren Finlayson will begin his second year of coaching at the Demons today at 2pm, but he has also been embraced by the club in his brief time at the club.

“The group and the club are really excited for this year, we’ve had the backing of our community for the last 150 years, so we’re looking forward to celebrating the small part we play as a club in this community,” he said.

“We’ll be concentrating on what we can bring to Round 1 when we play against Newcomb at 2pm, but the excitement around the club is up and buzzing.”

The action begins at as 10.15am with D Grade netball on Court 1.

For more information on the club’s 150th year commemorations, head to portarlingtonfnc.com.au/150-years-of-pfnc