Player Of The Decade #1: Joel Porter

Our countdown of the top 10 players of the past decade concludes with our number one, remember you can leave your comments and favourite moments in the comment box at the bottom of this article.

1. Joel Porter

Taking the number one spot in our countdown of the greatest players of the last decade is Joel Porter. The Australian arrived in England in 2003 and had trials at Wigan, Bolton and Sunderland before joining Pools on trial.

Neale Cooper was impressed enough to offer him a full time contract but he looked poor in his first few substitute appearances. He soon grabbed his first goal for the club during the televised game between Pools and Burton Albion, he received the ball from Mark Tinkler, rounded the keeper and slotted home.

He would soon become a fans favourite at Victoria Park and he ended the season in fine fashion as he grabbed the opening goal in the play-off semi-final against Bristol City. Pools would lose over the 2 legs but next season was even better for both Porter and HUFC.

He had forged an unforgettable partnership with Adam Boyd and the pair would grab an incredible 45 goals as Pools reached the play-off final in Cardiff. However, injury struck and Joel spent the best part of 2 years on the sidelines, only managing a few games at the start of the 2006/07 season before getting injured again.

He came back into the side at the start of the 2007/08 season but it would be his final season at the club when he produced his best form. He was simply sensational as he grabbed 23 goals, saving Pools from relegation almost single-handedly.

Despite being paired with 9 different strike partners he never let the side down. On the couple of occasions he was injured the team wasn’t the same and results suffered.

He announced his intention to return to Australia at the end of the season but still gave 100% in the remaining games. He admitted that he now called Hartlepool ‘home’ and, despite having the ability to play at a much bigger club, how much he enjoyed his time here.

Since his return to Australia with Gold Coast United he’s forced his way back into contention for the national team.

Our Favourite Moment
It was November 2004 and Pools play-off rivals Doncaster came to Victoria Park, after an impressive performance the visitors they looked to have the game in the bag with 20 minutes remaining. Joel Porter was introduced and showed his quality by turning the game on its head.

Within 10 minutes of his arrival on the field he’d brought Pools level with a lofty header from the edge of the area and in the 89th minute he sealed the 3 points with one of the best goals he scored for the club. He received a long pass, brought the ball down and then chipped it over the oncoming goalkeeper from the edge of the area.

That 20 minute spell showed how easily he could change a game and that’s why you voted him your player of the decade and why will go down in history as one of the greatest of all time.

Click here for our Player Of The Decade page where you can find out more about the other players in our countdown