Imbi remains a Tiger

BACK ON DECK: North Gambier Football Club has re-signed current senior coach Winis Imbi for another Western Border football season, taking his tenure through to the end of 2018.

NORTH Gambier Football Club has jumped in ahead of the upcoming Western Border football finals series to secure its 2018 campaign.

The Tigers have signed 2016 premiership coach Winis Imbi to again lead the club until at least the end of 2018.

Imbi came to the Tigers after a distinguished career as player and coach at Portland Football Club and has been instrumental in continuing North’s success.

Imbi currently has the A Grade side at the top of the table and is keen to continue that trend into the future.

“The lads are an engaged group,” he said.

“Like any relationship we have our ups and down, but they are young men who are willing to learn to get the best out of themselves and above all else, to be team players.

“Therefore they push me to be the best version of myself that I can be.”

Imbi commended the leadership group, coaching team, support staff, trainers and administration who he said help carry the load.

“It’s certainly not all me,” he said.

“I also feel like it’s becoming home.

“It’s an inclusive club that have made my wife, son and I a part of the bigger North family.

“I’m really excited about staying on, but that is all about the future.

“Right now, it’s all about preparing ourselves for another finals campaign.

“We know that it won’t be an easy task, but we are mindful that it’s not an impossible one either.”

The Tigers have hit consistent form at the right time of the season, with early-season injuries forcing a change of personnel.

But despite that, the club forged its way to the top of the ladder and has held on in the latter part of the year to be a hot favourite for the 2017 flag.

“We’ve certainly had a heavy injury toll and some players have just had to be rested for various reasons,” Imbi said.

“Despite missing key personnel, it has given opportunities to others.

“It’s also forced us to grow collectively because ‘system’ should never be sacrificed, despite a player or two missing.

“At the end of day it made us address key areas of our game.

“Hopefully it gives those who stepped up a mindset they can perform at senior level as well, because those that did, certainly held their own.”

North football operations manager Jonathan Bruhn said he was pleased to have Imbi back on board for next season.

“The re-signing of Winis is a real coup for our club and gives us a lot of solidity moving forward,” he said.

“Obviously we have other major priorities at the moment with finals upon us, but this news allows us as a club to look into the future with confidence.

“Winis is not only our senior coach, he is a role model and has inspired so many members of our club including supporters.

“He has endeared himself to our community and is respected not only at North but throughout the league.”