He’s had a long and distinguished career in Gippsland footballs major competition, but even in the twilight of an outstanding career, Kelvin Porter still loves winning.
A two time premiership player (2010, 2018) competition best and fairest (2013), five time league team of the year (2012-2016) with Maffra in the Gippsland League was again at the coalface on
Saturday helping orchestrate a Boisdale Briagolong win the 2024 East Gippsland Football Netball League.
Porter finished his career at Maffra in 2018 and after a few years absence returned in 2022, where he has played 36 games for the Bombers, whilst working as a fly in fly out work.
At 34, the man they call “Kel” is still the clearance king, the go to man and the competition’s best player, narrowly missing out on the best on ground award to brother in law, Tom Jolly, who is usually the beneficiary of at least six handball receives for Porter in every game.
The modest and quietly spoken Porter, likes to play do his contribution but he was all smiles in the rooms afterwards, classing the Bomber victory as one of his career highlights.
“It’s been a huge effort by the club led by Sam Bedggood to come from the wooden spoon a couple of years ago to a flag today,” Porter said.
Now a family man, Porter said the win is so much sweeter.
“It’s great to be able to share this victory with the wife (Emily) and kids, Ava and Levi, they will be great memories in the years to come,” Porter said.
Looking fit and as refreshed in the rooms after the game, it looks like they is still some run in the legs of Porter, who will again be a key component in the Bombers quest for back to back success in 2025.
Emily Porter played her 50th game for the Bombers ladies team in the recent grand final loss to Lindenow South, so her husband currently holds the bragging rights in the house.
