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”.

It came days after Port Melbourne acknowledged an incident involving a player. A video had circulated on social media, reportedly showing a player defecating on a car.

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 said: “I would like to sincerely thank the Port Melbourne Sharks SC board, committee, members and supporters for giving me the opportunity to lead this great club.

“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank our outstanding coaching staff, Peter Natsis, Nicko Hunter and Will Sparks for their professionalism, loyalty and unwavering support throughout the journey.

“Most importantly, I want to thank the special group of players who consistently showed resilience, commitment, courage and belief, no matter what challenge was thrown at them. Their willingness to fight for one another, and for the coaching staff, made me incredibly proud and made this experience deeply rewarding.

“Although we faced numerous challenges along the way, I’m proud that, as a coaching staff, we remained true to our values and beliefs throughout.

“As a strong and determined leader, I have always supported my players, and I always will. Like all of us, they are human — they make mistakes, they learn, and they grow from them. They should never be condemned or “hung out to dry” for those mistakes.

“In today’s environment, where we are far better educated around mental health and wellbeing, it is more important than ever that we support people through difficult moments ... I’m proud that I was strong enough to stand by my players and provide that support when it mattered most.

“While it is disappointing that the club's decision comes off the back of our most successful period; an unbeaten run across six matches in both league and cup. I remain incredibly proud of the progress this young group has made.

“With the team and the club now on a clear upward trajectory, I believe our legacy as a coaching group is that we have left the club with renewed belief, hope and in a significantly stronger position than when we arrived.

“I’m confident that 2026 will be a successful season for this talented group of footballers, and I look forward to watching their continued growth from afar.

“With genuine respect and appreciation for the opportunity, I wish everyone at Port Melbourne Sharks SC all the very best moving forward.”

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.