PORTLAND Panthers division one soccer team has missed out on the 2023 South West Victoria Football Association (SWVFA) finals after finishing in fifth place based on goal difference.

The team was forced to accept a forfeit victory against Hamilton in Sunday’s scheduled clash, which was recorded as a 3-0 victory.

This meant they needed fourth-placed Stawell to lose by at least six goals to Warrnambool Wolves, with the eventual final score of 4-2 in that game not being enough to get the job done for the Panthers.

Portland coach Stephen Von Tunk said it was a disappointing way to end their season, especially in light of the forfeit.

“It was disappointing… but to be honest I was pretty confident even with the forfeit that we were in with a shot given how strong Wolves are,” Von Tunk said.

“At the end of the day it came down to a couple of games which could have gone our way which cost us… if we weren’t down to eight players against Port Fairy we may be in anyway.

“All-in-all it hasn’t been a bad season… considering we had only three of our starters from last year’s grand final with us for most of the season, it was a really good effort from the group, and we had some great moments.

“It’s great to see our division two and under-17 teams in finals so we’ll be getting around them.”

Von Tunk said there was something to be said for the long-term benefit to the club of having a number of under-17 players who had to step up and play in the seniors, saying it bodes well for their progression as players.

“Next season those players won’t have to contend with playing two or even three games… they’ll be able to put all their efforts into playing division one,” he said.

Portland’s under-14s and under-12s are also no longer in contention for the premiership in their respective grades.

The under-17s claimed an emphatic 7-0 victory against Hamilton in their last game before finals, while division two went down in a close battle 1-0 to the Wolves.

Under-17s and division two go to battle

Portland will still be represented in the SWVFA finals series, with both their senior division two side and the under-17s prepping for their tilt at the premiership.

The 17s have had a very strong season, finishing second on the ladder in a division of six teams, however they’ll be faced with a Warrnambool Rangers side which beat them 3-1 in round 12.

The Rangers also got the best of them in round eight 4-2, while the two sides played out a 3-all draw in round two.

Still the Panthers will carry plenty of momentum into this clash off the back of two 7-0 victories to finish up the regular season.

Division two will also take on the Rangers, with both sides having claimed victory against the other across the season, including a 5-2 with the Panthers’ way in round 11.

The under-17s will kick off at 11:40am, while division two will start at 1pm.

Portland to host soccer finals

The first round of the SWVFA finals will be held at Friendly Societies Reserve on Sunday, with 12 games of action set to take place across junior and senior grades.

Von Tunk described it as a “huge day” for the town, especially when taken in conjunction with Hampden Football Netball League finals on the same day.

“It’s great for sport in the region but its also great for local businesses… it’s rare that you’re going to get this many people in town at the same time,” he said.

“You’d be mad not to be open for business on a day like this… its going to be massive.

“The action will be starting from as early as 9am and going through to late in the afternoon.”