Port Melbourne have orchestrated one of the most significant recruiting coups in its illustrious history by signing former Collingwood AFL Premiership star, Jarryd Blair.



With 157 AFL games and a Premiership medallion next to his name, the official signature of Blair to don the red and blue in season 2019 marks one of the more experienced and decorated AFL recruits that the club and the VFL competition as a whole has ever welcomed.



Blair’s football resume needs little introduction, but there is little doubt that he has been one of the more loved, durable and consistent players to play for Collingwood over the course of his nine-year stint.



Initially from Wonthaggi, Blair’s meteoric rise as a TAC Cup Morrish Medallist from the Collingwood Rookie List was complete with his role in the Magpies’ drought-breaking 2011 Grand Final success, before his unfortunate delisting from the club at the conclusion of the 2018 season.



That opened the window of opportunity to permanently enter the VFL ranks, having put together a wonderfully-consistent year with the Magpies’ VFL side despite finding it difficult to squeeze his way in to their seemingly always in-form senior ranks.



With several other rival VFL clubs closing in, Football Manager Glenn Balmforth said Blair’s acquisition was a massive acknowledgement of the Borough as a “destination club.”



“To say we are excited that Jarryd has identified Port Melbourne as a destination club is an understatement,” Balmforth said.



“Having Jarryd join the Borough in season 2019 and what he will bring in terms of his leadership and knowledge that he has gained over eight years and over 150 games in the system, including an AFL premiership, will be incredibly valuable for our group.



“He is well respected both on and off the field and already the rest of the playing group are looking to working with Jarryd and learning from him,” he said.



Blair’s friendship with former Magpies teammate Sam Dwyer was also considered to be a driving force behind choosing Port Melbourne as his preferred option.



With Dwyer on assistant coaching duties, Blair will similarly take on a mentoring and development role within the club – on top of his playing commitments – and help the next generation of Borough youngsters through the lifestyle challenges that come as ‘part and parcel’ of VFL football.



We’re delighted to welcome Jarryd in to the Borough family, and wish him all the very best of luck!



Article: Sam Wharton.



Image Credit (Below): Collingwood FC.





