PORTLAND Panthers are gearing up for another South West Victorian Football Association season with premiership glory in their sights, and they’ll be aided in the pursuit of that goal by two new recruits who have arrived at the club from out of town.

Andy Drill and Seamus O’Kelly will both pull on the black, red and white in the upcoming season, with the pair both arriving in Portland to take on teaching roles at Heywood and District Secondary School.

O’Kelly is originally from Ireland and moved to Melbourne for work in August last year, before taking on the opportunity to work in Heywood in 2024.

Meanwhile, Drill moved to Portland with his partner Laura Kelly – who is coaching Portland’s Open netball team in 2024 – having originally been from Geelong while also spending some time up north in Queensland.

“My partner is from Portland, and so moving here was an opportunity to settle back down in Victoria which is obviously home for the both of us,” he said.

“It’s good to be back in Victoria and back to a small town where there’s a strong sense of community, and it’ll be good to get back into some sport as well after being out of it for a few years.”

O’Kelly said he’s found there is a “really good spirit” amongst the group over at the Panthers, and it’s something he’s hoping to build on.

“It’s a really good group and I’ve enjoyed the sessions we’ve had so far… I’ve been suffering a little bit with blisters on my feet recently which has been limiting my ability to train,” he said.

“I’m mostly healed now and pretty keen to get back on the pitch and play some games and hopefully show what I’m able to bring to this side.

“Obviously that first game (where the Panther lost 7-0 to Fawkner SC) was really tough, but I don’t think we can take any shame in that really, we went out there and did our best against a quality opponent.”

Drill echoed the same sentiment saying being back at a club has driven his desire to play.

“The club has been awesome to be honest, it’s been a real welcoming culture, and everyone’s taken us in with open arms I’d say,” Drill said.

“I’m really keen to get a couple more friendlies under the belt before the season starts, the training has been great, but I want to get out there with the boys and learn how they play.”

O’Kelly said that in previous years he has played mostly as a winger but admitted that fitness concerns might see him taken on a different role.

“I’ve not played for 6-7 months so my fitness probably isn’t where it needs to be, so I might play more of a central midfield role,” he said.

“I like being in the midfield, you get a chance to control a lot of the play and pick some runs from your teammates.”

Meanwhile, Drill reiterated that coming back into the sport after an extended absence meant he’s still looking to find which position suits him the most.

“I’ve kind of floated between a centre-mid and centre-back type of role, I’m still trying to find what suits me best and also what’s needed for the team.”

The Panthers’ next opportunity to showcase their new-look team for 2024 will come when they host Apollo FC on March 3.