An Aussie club parted ways with their coach, then lost 8-0. A look inside a tumultuous week

It is safe to say it has not been a dull week for Port Melbourne Sharks in VPL1.

Port Melbourne are playing in Victoria’s second tier this season after being relegated from NPL VIC last year, and they are staring at back-to-back demotions.

It has been a topsy-turvy campaign and despite being in the midst of a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions, they parted ways with head coach Adam Inglese - who was appointed at the start of 2026, during the week.

Port Melbourne said it was a “mutual decision”.

Then on Friday, basement boys the Sharks were humiliated 8-0 by third-placed Eltham Redbacks. They were 5-0 down at half-time.

In response to his exit from SS Anderson Reserve, Inglese told Highpress: “When we first walked into this change room, the club was on its knees.

“The 2025 relegation to VPL1 had left the club fractured — the culture destroyed, standards had slipped, confidence had disappeared, and it felt as though hope around the place had all but vanished.

“As a coaching group, our legacy is simple: in just six months, we restored belief. We brought back confidence, reinstated playing standards, and gave the club renewed hope for the future.

“I’m incredibly proud of what this young group achieved under our coaching staff, and I firmly believe that what has been built over these past six months gives the club an incredible opportunity to move forward, grow again, and achieve success.”

The Sharks are facing a huge end to the season, in a bid to avoid dropping down to Victoria’s third division.

Last term, Port Melbourne were in the top tier, with one league separating them and Eltham, who were playing in VPL2.

Now, Eltham are eyeing consecutive promotions as Port Melbourne fight desperately to stay in the competition.