EAST GIPPSLAND NEWSPAPERS | 3 EGFNL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 Porter adds to the legacy 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. Kel Porter with son Levi, daughter Ava and wife Emily. Family connection They have inherited many names over the years, from the Kray or Bash brothers to B1 and B2, but Boisdale Briagolong’s Johnson twins - Daniel and Rhys - are just happy to be premiership players. The brothers are known for their hardness at the ball and are never ones to take a backward step on the field, which often gets under the skin of opposition players and spectators. Off the field the brothers are affable and don’t take themselves too seriously, keen to reflect on their 10-year journey to become senior premiership players of the club, where they came through the junior system. There have been plenty of highs and lows over the journey, including some significant injuries, but they never lost the belief the Bombers could win local football’s ultimate prize. Midfielder Daniel accumulated 19 possessions in a midfield role. “My job is not to get in the way of Porter, Glenane and Jolly, hopefully creating some space for them to hit up our forwards,” Daniel said. Both brothers were proud of the effort of all involved with the club. “We have done the hard yards and deserve our success, we were in the finals, then dropped to the bottom of the ladder, but we are back in a big way today,” Daniel said. Rhys played across half back and got plenty of the ball, taking some nice marks against taller opponents, always defending grimly. Both brothers were looking forward to the celebrations, although Daniel thinks Rhys might have him covered. “I’ve got the wife and kid these days, so I might not go as hard as I might once have, you can expect Rhys to be front and centre,” Daniel said. Fellow Boisdale brothers Billy, Nick and Ryan Marshall also celebrated premiership success. Premiership brothers Daniel and Rhys Johnson. Brothers Billy, Ryan and Nick Marshall with dad Kenny and the premiership cup. Jumping for Jolly Tom Jolly’s outstanding contribution over the past two seasons at Boisdale Briagolong was rewarded with best-on-ground honours in a premiership. Jolly crossed to the Bombers at the start of season 2023 after a successful career with Maffra in the Gippsland League, which resulted in two premierships (2016 and 2019). His two seasons at Boisdale have been action-packed and his input significant - he came with plenty of hype and he hasn’t disappointed. He has made the Bairnsdale Advertiser Team of the Year on both occasions, kicking 40 goals from 17 matches last year and 33 from 18 appearances this season. But Saturday was his crowning moment, combining well with brother-in-law Kel Porter, helping himself to 30 disposals including 13 marks. The star-studded Boisdale midfield all got plenty of football, but it was his four goals that cemented his selection as best on ground. His goal after the half time siren was the first major setback for Lucknow, while his two goals in the first two minutes of the final term put the game out of reach. Jolly was delighted his team had bounced back after last year’s grand final defeat at the hands of Wy Yung. “It’s great to get the job done for everyone involved with this great club, from supporters through to the playing group. Last year’s loss made us hungrier,” Jolly said. The midfield/forward was quick to play down his goals and their importance. “Every goal that is kicked in a grand final is important,” Jolly said. The celebrations at Boisdale are set to continue, Jolly and his joyous teammates unlocking the emotions of 23 years waiting for senior success. Tom Jolly was awarded best-on-ground, kicking four goals, gathering 30 disposals and taking 13 marks. The team at slates proudly supports east gippsland’s football netball league Call us on 0412 539 747 EN25169
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