Portarlington coach Warren Finlayson tightlipped about his future at the Demons

A BFNL mentor might be tightlipped about his coaching future, but he’s certain his team is tracking in the right direction after several winless seasons.

Portarlington coach Warren Finlayson directs players at training in 2023. Picture: Mark Wilson

The coaching future of Portarlington mentor Warren Finlayson is uncertain beyond this season but one thing remains clear: the 3-12 Demons have shown big signs of ascension in 2024 after several winless campaigns.

Finlayson may apply for his position with the Demons, who are keen to test the market ahead of the 2025 season.

However, the former Drysdale, Bannockburn and Thomson footballer, who joined Port in September, 2022, is keen to talk to this masthead about the positive aspects of the season so far with three games to run.

Celebrating its 150th year, the Demons kickstarted the BFNL season with a memorable victory at home against Newcomb – its first since 2019 – snapping a 68-game losing streak in emotional scenes.

There were also victories against Ocean Grove the following round – the first time in 30 years – then the Power again in Round 11.

Portarlington coach Warren Finlayson has guided the Demons to three victories so far in 2024. Picture: Alan Barber

And they have pushed top five teams Anglesea and Modewarre — showing a competitive streak the Demons lacked last season with its closest loss being 21 points against ninth placed Newcomb in the opening round.

Admittedly, there have been a few nasty losses along the way: in a horror six-game block the Demons went down by 99 points to Geelong Amateur, 84 to Drsydale, 122 against Barwon Heads and 71 to the reigning premier, Torquay.

Toes could have easily been turned up, but this new-look Demons team continued to fight and embrace the challenge.

With 2023 witnessing 13 losses by 70 points or more, with over half by more than 100 points, Finlayson said this season was clearly tracking in the right direction.

And not just the high profile recruits in Teia Miles, Jaryd Cachia – he hung up the boots after Round 9 due to injury – and Connor Menadue were having an impact

He singled out young backman Ethan Hughes, who played under-18s last year and was BOG against Barwon Heads in Round 15.

Connor Menadue, Teia Miles and Nathan Piggot celebrate Portarlington’s drought-breaking win in Round 1. Picture: Mark Wilson

“He’s been outstanding for a young guy,” Finlayson said.

Then there’s Max Ruiter, who injured a hamstring three times last year to play all but one game in 2024, working alongside the likes of Miles and Dylan O’Brien in the middle.

Ruiter has been named in his side’s best on six occasions from Port’s last eight matches, including two BOG performances.

O’Brien, who won the best and fairest in his first year with the Demons last season, leads the league for tackles by nine and midfield tackles by 11.

Meanwhile, Kelly Pickard is number one in the comp for contested marks, ahead of Modewarre forward Tom Hornsey.

“Kelly’s been really influential across half back, we threw him forward for a few weeks and kicked goals, he’s got a great set of hands on him,” he said.

Offensively, the Demons have doubled its lowly percentage of 33 last season, with captain Mitch Turnbull again leading the club for goals with 23, despite missing six games at the start of the year.

The Demons, who only had two players in the top 50 for goals last year, have generated a further 59 majors in 2024 between recruits Miles, Menadue and Stephen Heppel.

In defence, Portarlington has lifted itself off the bottom for scores conceded and total points.

Last year, the Demons allowed 626 more points than Newcomb in ninth place.

Finlayson said there had been a focus on remaining in games for longer, and setting up structures to achieve that aim.

Kelly Pickard was best on ground for the Demons in Round 5 against Drysdale. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We’ve got the three wins which is great for our club considering our history, but we’ve now got to continue to progress forward,” he said.

“Round 1 obviously was a really good win for the people that have been involved in the footy club, and to defeat Ocean Grove as well for the first time in 30 years.

“That was a good win for the older people in our community that have followed Portarlington for so long, to break that hoodoo.”

He was particularly proud of that effort against the Roos in Round 7, coming from 29 points down at the final break to go down by just nine, kicking 6.2 in the final term.

Again, the Demons refused to roll over like they had in seasons past.

However, any review of Portarlington’s year so far simply has to include the impact of Miles, who Finlayson says has invested off the park.

Individually, the former Hawthorn player leads the BFNL for disposals, ranking points, goal assists and rebounds from defensive 50.

Portarlington's Teia Miles marks against Ocean Grove. Picture: Alan Barber

“He’s made some really solid contributions off the field,” he said.

“I’m really proud of how he’s continued to apply himself and bring others into the game, he just wants the Portarlington footy club to continue to be better.

“He understand he has a really key role to play in that.

“He’s been a really great person to have within our footy club this year, really stoked with his decision to call Portarlington home.”

While Finlayson may not be around in 2025 in a coaching capacity, he says the group is a self-motivated unit this season.

“The great enthusiasm (around the club) has come from the playing group about driving the standards,” he said.

“And how we hold ourselves on Saturdays.

“We want to continue to keep up the fight. We’re definitely on the up for sure.”

Originally published as Portarlington coach Warren Finlayson tightlipped about his future at the Demons