WINIS Imbi says he's agreed in principle to coach Port Fairy next season and is eager to bring joy to the club's success-starved supporter base.
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Their most recent grand final appearance was in 2017.
"I do feel their pain, in terms of being so close, many a time or being around the mark," Imbi said.
"I feel like I can hopefully help a part of that. The people and the community at Port Fairy, they certainly breathe their football, it's in their blood.
"They want the club to do well. There are some boys there that want to write a really good script at Port Fairy.
"Hopefully I, along with the coaching staff and playing group, can help that."
The Heywood and District Secondary School teacher was denied a chance to lead the Seagulls in 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions forced the Hampden league's cancellation.
But the father-of-two said his family - wife Melissa and children Noah, 7, and Asaiah, seven months - were "happy with the club".
"We feel like there's a lot to do there and we really want to be a part of it," Imbi said.
"The club are really keen for us to stay which is great.
"We feel like we've got good people there, we just need an opportunity to put it all together."
Imbi said it was important to invest collectively.
"When I sat down with the club, Melissa was with me," he said.
"We've got two young children and yes I am coaching but Melissa gives me the opportunity and time to invest in that because obviously it puts a lot of pressure on her.
"She feels as though we belong there and we also owe the club too because we started something and we haven't finished it either."
Imbi is unsure when football activities, such as pre-season training, will get the green light to resume.
But he remains committed to his players.
"I am just really enjoying investing in people and it's not necessarily football-related," he said.
"I am giving players things to read, checking in on a welfare point of view and just making sure the boys are mentally right and also giving people the space they need as well away from football."
Recruiting is a part of Imbi's long-term plans.
"Obviously that is still a great unknown, as to when we will come back but it's been really good to talk to some potential recruits," he said.
The coronavirus pandemic-enforced break has also given Imbi time to take stock.
"I have taken a mental break from football and my energy has gone to family and to work and even to myself in terms of my own fitness," he said.
Rival coaches Ben Kenna (Terang Mortlake), Jarrod Holt (Portland), Neville Swayn (Camperdown), Gerard FitzGerald (Hamilton Kangaroos), Adam Dowie (North Warrnambool Eagles), Chris McLaren (Koroit) and Adam Courtney (Cobden) are committed for 2021.