After previously having trials in England with Wigan Athletic and Sunderland, before visa problems prevented them, Porter finally signed for Hartlepool in November 2003, as manager Neale Cooper added the Aussie to his ranks.

Porter made his Hartlepool debut against Swindon Town and scored his first goal against Burton Albion shortly afterwards during a live televised FA Cup match, victory which secured a third round tie at neighbours Sunderland.

After a slow start he forced his way into the team after coming on as a substitute against Doncaster Rovers and scoring two late goals to secure a dramatic 3–2 win.

This earned him a place alongside Adam Boyd in the Hartlepool line-up and the pair formed a legendary strike partnership.

On 9 October 2007, Joel became the first player in the club's history to score a hat-trick after coming on as a substitute in Hartlepool's 5–2 away win against Lincoln City in the Football League Trophy.

Porter was closely linked to sign with the Phoenix, however Hartlepool elected to invoke the team option to re-sign him for one more year and he agreed to stay.

[7] Upon Porter staying at Hartlepool, Wellington chief executive Tony Pignata said that the news was "disappointing" and told the club's official website: "Joel's a quality striker and would have fitted in well with the squad.

[9] Upon signing, Hartlepool's Director of Sport Chris Turner said "He's selling himself short, but I think it's a lifestyle decision," which angered Gold Coast manager Miron Bleiberg.

[16][17] Porter also represented Australia in the 2002 OFC Nations Cup where he went on to make four appearances for the Socceroos, scoring six goals in the process and finished as his country's top scorer.

In May 2016, with the club bottom of the National Premier Leagues South Australia, Porter was sacked as manager of Adelaide Raiders.