Western Border footy league: Portland seeks better deal in finals allocation

Portland is chasing an opportunity to host more finals, as it weighs up pros and cons of leaving the Hampden league.

The chance to host a grand final and regularly stage other finals matches is tempting Portland to seriously consider a return to the Western Border league next season.

Portland left the Western Border league a decade ago to join the Hampden league.

But as part of a restructure being carried out by the South Australian National Football League it has been approached about a return to the Western Border league along with Penola also making a return from the Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara league to make it an eight-team competition.

Portland officials met with the Hampden league last week as it weighs up the “massive decision” of moving again, with club president Troy Bannam raising the issue of hosting only two finals matches since being in the league.

The Hampden league grand final is traditionally played at the Reid Oval in Warrnambool. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Hosting finals are financially more lucrative for clubs than staging home and away matches.

Mr Bannam said all finals and the grand final would be rotated among clubs if the Western Border league went to eight teams with Portland and Penola making the move.

“It’s a massive decision for us,” he said.

“We need all the information in front of us and then weigh up what is best.

“The Hampden league basically said they want us to stay.

“The club has had the attitude that we will play anyone, anywhere.

“But we would like to see a bit more exposure for our club and enjoy those financial benefits that come with hosting a final.

“We’ve been raising the issue for quite some time that we would like the opportunity to host finals.

“But it all seems to fall on deaf ears.”

Portland captain Daniel Jackson leads his team onto the ground for the match against North Warrnambool last year. Picture: Supplied

Penola previously played in the Western Border league from 1964 to 1987.

The Hampden league grand final is traditionally played at the same venue every year, Warrnambool’s Reid Oval.

Mr Bannam said the membership wasn’t unanimous in returning to the Western Border league as was the case when it made the move to the Hampden league.

Hampden league president Shane Threlfall said he expected an answer on Portland’s intentions within a month.

“We obviously wanted to reinforce that we love having them in our competition,” he said.

“They’ve just got to make a decision and weigh up what is in their best interests.

“Their reasons are the same reasons we’ve already spoken about.

“Their proximity to other teams in our league and whether they can remain competitive.”