Jack Duncan ‘proud’ of himself despite Melbourne Victory’s grand final loss

It wasn’t the result Jack Duncan wanted, but playing in Saturday night’s A-League grand final was an experience he will never forget.

The A-League grand final was a bittersweet experience for Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Jack Duncan.

While disappointed that his side was beaten 1-0 by crosstown rivals Melbourne City, Duncan was thrilled to play in the decider at AAMI Park after the devastation of being dropped in January to make way for returning former Socceroos gloveman Mitch Langerak.

“That was one of the lowest points of my whole career because I felt like I was at a real strong point in my own form, but I understood that the results weren’t coming and we needed to change something, and that was something that they could change, and decided to do that,” Duncan said.

The former Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix custodian knew the situation last year when he signed with the Victory – he was keeping the goalkeeper’s spot for Langerak until the latter's return to the club in January after 14 years abroad.

“At the start of the (season), I was playing every game, and then obviously, when Mitch came in, the coach (Arthur Diles) made a decision to change,” Duncan said.

However, Duncan kept working hard and got an unexpected opportunity in late April when Langerak injured his foot.

Jack Duncan (centre) punches a ball to safety during the A-League grand final. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

It resulted in Duncan starting in the Victory’s final six games of the club’s 2024-25 campaign, including Saturday night’s competition decider.

“Football has a funny way of coming back around, and I just worked every day to be there if the opportunity came again, and it thankfully did, for my own sake, and I was able to experience incredible nights like (the grand final).

“It’s been a tough season in some aspects, but in others, an incredibly rewarding season.

“I am proud of the season I’ve had.”

He was also proud of his Victory teammates for their grand final performance.

“The boys left everything out on the pitch. You could see the effort, the intent from minute one to the last kick of the game, but unfortunately in finals games, small margins determine the result, and unfortunately for us, Melbourne City won those margins,” Duncan said.

“We had a really good season to be here on the final day, and unfortunately we just fell short.”

Duncan revealed that his effort of 19 games this season was enough to trigger a contract extension with the Victory.

“We’ll see how the off-season unfolds. I’ve loved every minute of my time at the club so far, the fans have been unbelievable towards me,” he said.

“The noise when I went out to warm up (for the grand final) was something that will stay with me for forever.

“It was an incredible experience, and I can’t thank them enough for how they’ve treated me, and the support that they gave me and all the boys throughout the year. It was really special.”

Originally published as Jack Duncan ‘proud’ of himself despite Melbourne Victory’s grand final loss