Newly-appointed coaches find ways to fill in time after Hampden league season cancelled

Port Fairy's Winis Imbi and Terang Mortlake's Ben Kenna have found contrasting ways to keep busy during the Hampden league's COVID-19 break.

Imbi is spending extra time with his family, including a second son born in January, and has completed a coaching course.

Kenna's dairy farm is receiving extra attention.

Imbi is turning the scrapped Hampden league season - the first since World War II - into a positive.

"For me, I've just completed another coaching course. It's called The Next Coach program," he said.

"It allows me to unpack the learnings and put things down on paper and test that philosophy by talking to others in the league like Chris McLaren and Shane Threlfall, who has a lot of experience.

"So I am using it as an opportunity for growth and to cement my own philosophy."

But Imbi, who was Seagulls' assistant last year, admitted "I miss Saturdays".

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"I miss seeing our boys as well. My frustration is I am more disappointed in the fact there were some of our players who were really looking to excel this year and our recruits as well," he said.

Imbi is yet to have discussions with the club about coaching in 2021 but "Port Fairy is where I want to be".

"A lot will depend on the playing group and what they need and what they want," he said.

"I am really impressed with our committee and the people who are trying to lead our club.

"I just need to believe the playing group want to excel and get the best out of themselves."

Kenna, who has coached Warrnambool and District league club Kolora-Noorat to premierships, said he was in a lucky position, given many Australians had lost their jobs or been stood down during the pandemic.

"I've just filled my time in working, which some people can do in some circumstances," he said.

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