Former South Melbourne and Bentleigh Greens forward David Stirton was confirmed as Port Melbourne’s fourth signing of the pre-season on Monday.
Stirton battled injuries since joining South at the beginning of 2015, after a prolific two-year spell at the Greens, and said the move presented a new opportunity to start fresh.
“Speaking to Eric he was extremely positive as to where he sees Port Melbourne going next season and sees me as playing a big part in that which is very flattering and I’m very happy that he has that confidence in me,” Stirton said.
“So hopefully I can repay his confidence in me by banging in the goals.”
“I really have a good feeling about the season ahead for both myself and Port Melbourne.”
Stirton began his senior career at Dandenong Thunder, also spending time with Melbourne Victory Youth, missing out on a senior contract after the dismissal of Ernie Merrick in 2011.
He also enjoyed a fruitful stint at Southern Stars, where his pace and trickery helped secure a move to Bentleigh
The versatile forward – capable of playing as a support striker, up top or on the wing – made 19 league appearances with 11 starts for South, contributing four goals for the season.
Stirton added a further three goals from five cup appearances across all competitions, and believes the move will help him return to his best form.
“I see my move to Port Melbourne as a very positive move for me in regards to getting back to what I feel I’m best at and that is scoring goals,” he said.
“I have played wide left for quick a while now but I see myself as more a central striker, a goalscorer.
“I feel I have proved that in the past as I finished top scorer at Bentleigh Greens in the NPL season in 2014.
“I believe in my own ability to score goals if chances are created and at Port Melbourne we have some fantastic players who can do so.”
Stirton becomes the fourth signing to move to the club, joining former teammates Bonel Obradovic (South Melbourne) and Jamie de Abreu (Bentleigh), as well as young defender James Karvelis.