There’s great news out of Tigerland, with Portland locking in Lachie Hupputz to coach again in 2026. Hupputz has made a significant impact in his return to the club, and the results are beginning to show. Portland has taken major steps forward this season and are now a genuine finals contender, eyeing their first September campaign since 2022. A highly respected player with a sharp football mind, Lachie’s re-signing is a massive win for the Portland Football Netball Club, providing stability and momentum heading into the future.
His signature joins a growing list of reappointments across the league, with both Terang Mortlake and the Hamilton Kangaroos also confirming their senior coaches for next season. It’s a positive sign of clubs backing in their development and planning for long-term success.
On the field, Round 13 brought more movement in the race for finals. The top five is anything but settled, with teams continuing to leapfrog each other weekly. It’s a great problem to have—it reflects the evenness of the competition and means every game between now and Round 18 is going to matter.
This weekend shapes as another pivotal round. South Warrnambool takes on Terang Mortlake in what could be a defining clash for both sides. The Roosters need a win to stay in the hunt for a top-three finish, while the Bloods are just outside the five and can’t afford to drop points.
Meanwhile, Portland faces a huge test against North Warrnambool. The Eagles are desperate to keep their finals hopes alive, while the Tigers can consolidate their top-five credentials with another big scalp.
With five rounds remaining, the stakes rise with every match—and that’s what Hampden league footy is all about.
