Melton Phoenix will use the disappointment of this year to spur them on in FV state league 5 west next season.
The Phoenix finished in second spot on the same amount of points as champion Barwon, but were denied the championship and promotion on goal difference.
Phoenix coach Darren Traynor said they were so proud of what the side had achieved this year.
“We are in a great space on and off the field at the moment,” he said.
“It’s a really good club and it’s a great place to be. We’re so proud of this season.”
The Phoenix needed a win in the final round of the season and hoped that Barwon either had a draw or loss.
While the Phoenix did their part of the job, Barwon was able to get that final round win.
It meant both teams finished on 55 points with 18 wins, one draw and three losses.
Both teams had massive goal differences as well.
Traynor said in most divisions this would have been enough to see them either win the league or get promoted.
“For us to finish on 55 points and a goal difference of 52 and not get promoted or win the league is disappointing,” he said.
“But Barwon won the league fair and square.”
Previously the top two teams in state league 5 west would get promoted which adds to the Phoenix’s frustration.
The bottom side of state league 4 west won’t be relegated despite struggling all season. Traynor said they should have at least had the opportunity to play in a play off for a shot at getting into state league 4.
While disappointed, Traynor said this isn’t the end for this group.
“Hopefully we can come back next year and be even better,” he said. “You can look at this two ways.
“You can be disappointed or you can use it as motivation. We’ll look at using this as fuel on the fire.
“We have a strong bunch of young guys who will be back next year. We might look to add a couple more.
“They’ll all be better for another 12 months.”
It wasn’t all bad for the Phoenix with the reserves claiming the title on Saturday.
Traynor said they were proud of that group.
“I have a squad of 20 and were dropping four players to reserves each week, we had a lot of depth.
“We haven’t had that in Melton for a while.”
