WESTERNS Football Netball Club endured another challenging South West District Football League season in 2023, with their senior side failing to win a game from their 16 matches, however coach Winis Imbi said the club remains focused on building toward the future.

Imbi, who said he has made a commitment to the club to continue in the role in 2024, said their goals have moved beyond the baseline of just looking to fill two sides every week.

“We had the goal of not forfeiting a game in our seniors or reserves, and apart from one reserves game we were able to achieve that,” Imbi said.

“But there’s got to be a bigger goal than that, we have to move forward with bigger aspirations in mind than simply putting a team on the park.

“It starts with this preseason and the boys getting out there and showing they’re committed to the cause by showing up to training in good shape.

“The mental side is there, now we need to focus on the physical side of things as well.”

Imbi said the Roos have managed to retain the vast majority of their playing list from the season just gone, which he said is a testament to how the club has been able to support each and every player which has come through the door.

“To have that level of buy-in to the coming season for a club which didn’t win a single senior game… it goes to show the kind of culture that we’re building out here,” Imbi said.

“I’ve put a big emphasis on making sure everyone’s value and worth is known to them, whether they’re a star player for us or struggling for a reserves game, they all bring value to the club when they come in.

“People really respond well to that.”

Imbi said himself and the club are excited to bring on Mitch Riddell as a playing assistant coach, while Jed Hamill will step up into that capacity after a strong year in a purely playing capacity in 2023.

“Mitch will be a great asset to the club, the on-field talent speaks for itself, he’s someone who can play forward, mid or back, which is a rare skill,” Imbi said.

“But I think what impressed me most about him is the way he carries himself, he’s a very good speaker, eloquent and calculated in the way he talks to people, and also very committed.

“When we first got in touch, he liked the idea but said he had made a commitment to (Horsham District Football League club) Natimuk, and to be honest when he said that I realised this was an individual we wanted at our club.

“Just that he wasn’t going to easily throw away a commitment he had made elsewhere, that he valued his word, was something I really respected.

“I think Jed will complement him really well, I love that he’s willing to speak his mind in a really raw manner, there’s no grey area when it comes to him, he means what he says.”

Imbi said he wanted to thank Westerns’ committee, from president Vicki Clayton to the entire football committee, for buying into the culture that he’s trying to build.

“You look at the clubs who have sustained success in country football, and it starts from within,” he said.

“I look at a club like Koroit (in the Hampden Football League), many years ago that club was on the verge of having to fold, but through commitment and determination they were able to turn themselves into a powerhouse club in an elite football league.

“Talent is important, and I do believe we have it… Noah Knight had a terrific season and he’ll be even better, as will the likes of James Corbett and Harri Dennert.

“Brad Williams was our most improved player, but he has another gear to go to, as do other contributors like a Lachie Warburton or a Zac Duncan.”