Andy McMeel, a friend from his time playing at Russells Creek, had been pushing the case for McInnes to give Hampden league footy a crack for the best part of 12 months.

McInnes was initially reluctant. But when Port Fairy officials also came calling, he started to come around.

"I'd never really thought about going over there too much. Andy is one of my best mates and had been on my back through COVID to go there but I kept saying 'nah'," he said.

"Port Fairy showed a bit of interest, and I got a job through them and really, it ended up being a no-brainer.

"I hadn't played with Andy for a few years as well. We'd been at Creek and then I went up to Swan Hill in 2019 so I hadn't played with him over the past couple of years."

It was somewhat of a homecoming for McInnes, who is working in an ideal role as a fitness instructor and lifeguard at Belfast Aquatics.

The now 24-year-old played three senior games for the Gardens Oval-based club as a teenager before leaving to pursue Warrnambool and District league footy but was "just a kid".

Now, he's holding down a midfield role and resting forward as a key pillar in coach Winis Imbi's plans.

"Even though we've started off with a couple of losses, I'm still really, really confident in the side," he said.

"Winis, he's really surprised me. He's been so impressive. He has a different approach and he speaks as if he cares about individual in the team.

"It's not just about footy. He cares about each person and not just each player."

Working closely with McMeel is also a bonus.

"Having Andy there in the midfield has really helped," McInnes said.

"Port Fairy play a similar style to Creek so we're working well together. It's good having him there, just something familiar.

"I know how he plays. I know if I release him the footy he'll be off. He's pretty quick."

McInnes said a stint in the Central Murray league with Woorinen in 2019 meant he felt well-equipped to step up to the Hampden league.

"It's pretty good footy up there," he said.

"I was sort of used to play that higher standard so that prepared me pretty well (to come to Port Fairy).

"I haven't found it too bad, coming to the Hampden league. It's been going OK. I've been playing a similar role to what I was at Creek."

Port Fairy is still chasing its first victory of the season as it strives to avoid a zero and four start.

It will face off against Cobden at Gardens Oval on Saturday.'

McInnes believes his side will improve as the season progresses.

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