VFL club Port Melbourne's off-season signing spree has continued, with the Borough adding three more ex-AFL players to bring their list of experienced additions to 10 for the 2024 season.
The club confirmed on Thursday that recently delisted St Kilda defender Tom Highmore and former Western Bulldogs pair Roarke Smith and Billy Gowers have signed on for next year.
Highmore joins the Borough after three years with the Saints, who he joined as a mature-aged recruit via the 2020 National Draft.
The South Australian played 13 games in his first year at Moorabbin before ending his time in the red, white and black with a total of 16 appearances in the top flight.
Smith was delisted by the Bulldogs at the cessation of the club's 2023 campaign following an injury-riddled year for the utility player, who would manage just the quartet of matches for VFL affiliate Footscray in the second half of the season.
He played 47 games for the Dogs during his time at the club, including a role in their grand final side two years ago.
Gowers was last listed with the Bulldogs in 2020, with the key forward amassing 33 games for the Dogs for a return of 39 goals during his time at the Kennel, where he earned a second chance in the AFL after initially being drafted to Carlton in 2015.
Gowers has most recently spent time with Gippsland club Moe and has recently represented Southport in the VFL and VAFA club Old Xaverians over the past two seasons.
The trio of new recruits further buoy Port Melbourne's aspirations for next year after a disappointing 2023 season.
"It is exciting to have these three guys joining us in our 150th season.ย Not only do they bring skill but they bring leadership to the team which is very important," Port Melbourne coach Adam Skrobalak said in a club statement.
"The team has been training well during our pre-season and having Gowers, Highmore & Smith now joining our sessions will only continue to strengthen our preparation for next season."
The trio of new additions adds to an already busy window of top class recruitment for the VFL club, who have signed recently departed AFL players Sam Philp, Patrick Voss, Lachie Rankin, Flynn Kroeger, Robbie McComb and Kye Turner along with former Fremantle defender Tobe Watson for 2024.
Highmore said the impressive "environment" and list at North Port Oval were attractive in his decision to sign on with the club.
"I am genuinely super excited about joining Port Melbourne," Highmore said.
"I was really impressed with the environment the club has built, coupled with the list that has been compiled.
"I hope to help the Borough have success in season 2024 and beyond."
Port Melbourne recorded six wins and 12 losses in 2023 to finish 15th on the ladder and 16 points from the finals cut-off.
The historic club will celebrate its 150th anniversary during the 2024 VFL season.
