After a year long break from football, Alston was approached by Port Kembla and he became head coach for the 1991 season. Alston spent 13 seasons with Port Kembla; during that period the club won 26 trophies including five league titles, seven Grand Finals, and two Bert Bampton Cups. Alston left Port Kembla at the end of 2004 after securing his fourth League and Cup double. In 2005, he rejoined Wollongong Wolves who were playing in the NSW Premier League and he was once again handed a three-year contract. The side finished mid-table but, frustrated by financial and off the field issues, Alston walked out of the club after just one season.