Geelong West gun Tanner Lovell returning to Portland after signing with former club

One of the best players in the competition and his brother are heading back to their former club.

Tanner Lovell is returning to his home club. Picture: Mark Wilson

One of the Geelong league’s biggest stars is officially on the move with Geelong West gun Tanner Lovell returning to his former club Portland.

This publication reported last week that the prolific midfielder was considering playing with the Portland Tigers in 2025 with the studying teacher completing a placement in the region next year.

The Tigers confirmed his signing on social media on Tuesday morning, with his brother Kade also departing the Giants for the Tigers.

“We are thrilled to welcome back Tanner Lovell to the Portland Tigers for the 2025 season. After showcasing his incredible talent and dedication to the game, Tanner is returning to where it all began, and we couldn’t be more excited,” the club said on social media.

Lovell, who hails from Heywood half an hour from Portlant, finished second in the Mathieson Medal despite missing four GFNL games while playing with Geelong’s VFL side.

It is another blow for Geelong West after also losing Geelong VFL player Jamieson Ballantyne to Portland.

Lovell has taken the GFNL by storm over the past two seasons, averaging the third most Premier Data ranking points this season (140.3) and ranking fourth for disposals, fifth for clearances and equal fifth for inside 50s.

He told this publication on GFNL best and fairest night that he was till pursuing his AFL dream and that the goal was to play as much VFL footy for the as possible for the Cats into the future.

Originally published as Geelong West gun Tanner Lovell returning to Portland after signing with former club