Portland secure the services of former NEAFL and VFL player Lee Dale

Dale joins the Hampden league club from North East Australian Football League (NEAFL) side Southport, who he played in two grand finals and was part of the club's maiden premiership victory in 2018.

The 26-year-old, who comes from the small north-east Victorian town of Yackandandah, is a close friend of Wilson from their time playing at VFL club Werribee.

Dale will slot into Portland coach Jarrod Holt's midfield brigade. The 183cm onballer has goal-kicking abilities and will add experience to the Tigers' young list.

READ MORE:

Holt, who is returning to lead the club's senior side, said the club was pleased to sign the currently Queensland-based Dale.

"Jake is good mates with him from when they were housemates playing at Werribee and they stayed in touch," he said of Wilson's connection to Dale.

"He is a really good onballer who can go go forward and kick some snags and he will help fill a hole we needed to fill being a mature player who has played some good footy.

"We got him down a few weeks ago and he trained and he is a likable, good lad and he fitted in really well and we are pleased to have him."

Holt said Dale had committed to one-season but hoped he would stay on after that.

"He was pretty keen to come back to Victoria and hopefully we can keep him around for a few years," he said.

"Country footy is something he enjoyed and he is laid back, relaxed sort of fella and the country footy vibe will suit him."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.