We head into the first week of the finals after the last home and away game of the season both disappointed, delighted and excited for the future.
We’re disappointed that our seniors couldn’t put enough wins on the board to compete in the finals but delighted we will compete in the reserve finals for the first time since the club won duel premierships in Division 2 back in 2016.
Whilst on-field success alluded us for most of the year with many close games than not, the club has begun consolidating itself off-field with a new President in Stephen Duva who has begun assembling a group of people to take this proud club forward- laying the foundations for sustainable long term future with on-field and off-field success.
There’s been a mountain of support and helpers around in this year who have made significant contributions throughout this whole season – too many to list here – but special mention and public acknowledgement must go to club legends Jim Penaluna & Les Stuart along with substantial behind the scene contributions from Andrea Cardwell (all round hero), Jason Clarke (Football Manager), Maree McDonald (Registrations), Peter Clarke (Team Manager) and Dave Stevens (Time Keeper), Dale Knox (Game day bar), Wayne Riddoch (Game day help), Lochie Rennie (Canteen), Mitch Clarke (Runner) and support with food and beverage including Thursday night dinners from Steve Schreuder from the Limerick Arms. Without all their tremendous efforts throughout this year, our proud club would of suffered significantly, so on behalf of the entire club including supporters, current and past players, we say from the bottom of our hearts, Thank-you!!
Special mention must also go to the coaching group in Lee Schiller and Craig Young lead by Senior Coach Gareth Daley, who along with the playing group, have shown a remarkable resilience and commitment throughout the year. Despite some heavy defeats, the playing group has continued to develop showing plenty of positive signs against multiple finalist contenders including what was looking to be a significant upset during round 13 against now minor premiers St Pauls. I speak for all when I say we really are looking forward to watching this group of players compete and make an impact next year in the Southern Leagues top division.
THIS WEEK, our reserve side lead by player coach Ben Wilson, and assistant player coach Ben Smith, has a genuine opportunity against Mordialloc to play for a spot in the Semi Final. This should be a great game of footy to watch as our last two encounters with Mordialloc have been as exciting as local footy gets. We encourage all to come watch and get amongst what going to be the start of a strong finals campaign.
The ball is bounced at 12pm, Springvale reserve, Newcomen rd in Springvale.
A reminder that coaching applications have opened for next year; Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s and Men’s Reserve. Expressions of interest will close next Friday Sep 7 at 5pm and applications should be sent to steved@civic.com.au.
Presentation night will be announced in coming days, along with our annual Grand Final Eve luncheon and AGM. Check
www.portmelbournecolts.teamapp.com and Facebook (www.facebook.com/portmelbournecolts) for updates.
All our loyal supporters and senior playing group are encouraged to support our reserve side finals campaign this year, and to get behind us financially by joining as a signed member in 2019 to be a part of what we are planning to be a memorable 2019 in Men’s Div. 1 Seniors, Reserves and Woman’s Div. 2 Southern Footy competitions.
Again best of luck to the reserve side this weekend, and thank-you to all who helped around then club throughout home and away season of 2018.
Go Colts!!
