BRENDAN Forssman says “unfinished business” was part of his reason for re-signing as coach of Winchelsea.
The highly-respected Blues mentor had hoped to guide the club to the finals for the first time since 2014 this year before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of the season.
“I just didn’t feel right to leave after a season that didn’t get going at all,” Forssman said.
“I’m pretty mindful that I don’t want to overstay my welcome, either.
“But I thought it was a good opportunity to have another season, and there’s a little bit of unfinished business as well.”
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That “unfinished business” is guiding Winchelsea back to the finals for the first time since 2014.
The Blues missed the top five on percentage in 2018, while last year they were just half-a-game behind fifth-placed East Geelong.
“We think we’ve got a list that’s good enough to compete with anybody in the competition, and we’ve shown over the last couple of years that we’re capable of doing that,” Forssman said.
“It’d be nice to take the next step and play finals footy, that’s for sure.”
Winchelsea president Daniel Greskie said the club was “excited” to have Forssman continuing on.
“He’s been huge for the club,” Greskie. “We were in a pretty low spot before he came onboard.
“He’s turned us around and made us not only a good club on the ground, but off the field as well.
“He’s turned our fortunes around and we owe him a lot.”
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Winchelsea won’t take part in AFL Barwon’s plans for a modified season, which has resulted in a halt to training at Eastern Reserve.
Instead Forssman is hoping for restrictions to be eased enough for a return to social gatherings.
“We’d love to be able to go to our rooms on Thursday night and have dinner, and try and go down to the Barwon Hotel in Winch to try and support one of our major sponsors as well,” he said.
“Hopefully, we’ll keep the boys together socially and potentially have a couple of functions later in the year.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
