Watch these Dees on rebound

PORTARLINGTON coach Jesse Smith is adamant his side boasts one of the best halfbacks in the region after the acquisition of champion Dan Measures.

The Demons further bolstered their defensive unit in the off-season, luring the St Joseph’s and Queenscliff premiership player to play alongside gun flanker Luke Williams.

Smith spoke glowingly of Measures, who brings class and a wealth of experience to the young Portarlington group.

“His record speaks for itself,” Smith said.

“He brings a truckload of experience and he will complement Luke Williams on halfback. I think we’ve got the two best half-back flankers in the region, let alone the BFL.

“He’ll add some muchneeded experience and leadership. He brings in the Joeys culture, which revolves around winning and playing for each other, so it’s invaluable to get a recruit like Dan on board.

“He’s won nine premierships, so I’m hoping he’s a lucky charm. He’ll be a general down back and provide some guidance to the young players, so we’re absolutely stoked to have him on board.”

Confident the club has made inroads in the off-season, Smith maintains it will be difficult to gauge how many wins his side could net this season.

“We beat Drysdale, Newcomb and Ammos last year and you try to stick with the clubs around you, but obviously Drysdale has recruited really well,” he said.

“The challenge for them will be getting them to jell, and they probably will, but I don’t think it will happen as quickly as people expect.

“Newcomb will be the surprise packet of the comp this year. I think Rory Nicol is a great coach and they had some really good games last year where they just couldn’t get the four points.

“They flogged us once and we got them back later in the year, but they will be good.”