And, two big reasons the team is travelling so well are its young stars Paddy Coelho and Dylan Baker.

Both of the players are still in high school and, by cementing starting first grade spots, they have proved the old adage that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

Coelho is a 16-year-old prodigy whose talent has been widely recognised by not only the coaching staff and local spectators but also some visiting scouts offering US College scholarships.

Against an in-form Great Lakes last round, the midfielder was instrumental in Port FC’s first half mauling of a visiting defence who had only conceded three goals in 2010.

Coelho scored a wonderfully-timed strike off his right foot and was denied a second by the woodwork.

Baker, on the other hand, is now in his second full season as a first grader.

Although he is only in Year 12 and started out playing as a striker, he has found a regular home in the Port FC’s defensive line up, alongside some seasoned and accomplished players including Scott Spokes, Brad Spokes and Toby Glover.

And, the kid never looks out of place.

Both Coelho and Baker will be instrumental in the club’s charge towards the championship this year and beyond as Port FC looks to build for the future.

“Even though the squad currently includes a strong mixture of youth and experience, featuring a number of players who have contested other footballing competitions inter-state and internationally, the organisation does recognise the importance and value in blooding players at a young age,” coach David Toulson said.

“While it doesn’t always work out for every player, Port FC is conscious of developing and progressing the careers of the youngsters coming through and hopes to use guys such as (Dylan) Baker and (Paddy) Coelho as examples.”

Tomorrow’s round eight Premier League fixture sees Port FC take on last year’s champions Club Taree Wildcats at Tuffins Lane, Port Macquarie.

The last time the two sides met was in the semi-final when, according to the form book and playing at home, Port FC was fancied to come away victors.

Taree, however, had other plans.

Now in season 2010, the Wildcats are sitting in fourth spot on the ladder on 10 points with a game in hand (Kempsey Saints) and have recently claimed the scalp of the Macleay Valley Rangers in Kempsey with a convincing 3-0 win.

Taree is well-coached by captain Coach Ben Sedlen and includes some quality players in key positions, including striker Ricky Campbell, midfielder Nathan Towle and goalkeeper Luke Bramble.

Toulson is fully aware of the danger the Wildcats pose.

“If we can put together 90 minutes of football like we did last week against Great Lakes, we should beat any side in this competition,” he said.

“Our worst enemy so far this season has been ourselves.

“In saying that, Taree is a dangerous side and capable of hurting us from anywhere on the field.”

Tomorrow’s games kick off with reserve grade at 1.15pm, with the firsts running out onto Tuffins Lane at 3pm.

Port Macquarie FC

Terrance Stafford, Brad Spokes, Toby Glover, Dylan Baker, Troy Mountain, Luke Buckley, Paddy Coelho, Jordan Morris, Matt Ramm, Dilly Prestergard, Matt Edwards, Joe Bignall, Augistine Fordjour