Sport
26 August, 2021
Bloods back in Kenna
TERANG Mortlake coach Ben Kenna is hoping for an uninterrupted 2022 season after signing on to coach the club for a third year.
TERANG Mortlake coach BenKenna is hoping for an uninterrupted 2022 season after signing on to coach the club for a third year.
The Bloods announced the mentor’s reappointment on Sunday after the second-year coach had led the club to three wins in 2021 while navigating multiple interruptions.
Kenna said his decision to sign for a third year became clearer in recent weeks after he had consulted with club officials.
“I suppose the last four to six weeks I’d been discussing it a little bit and I was probably leaning towards it but there was just that bit of being assured it was right and I came to that conclusion probably a week or two ago,” he said.
“The uncertainty of everything this year has probably only added to the complexity to making those decisions a little bit.”
With the past two seasons interrupted because of COVID-19, Kenna is hopeful the competition gets more continuity next season.
Given he has coached just 12 of a possible 36 games in his two years in charge, it’s easy to see why he and Terang Mortlake would like to play more football.
“I think going into another season you want to get a full length season and clubs want to enjoy a full season too,” Kenna said.
“It doesn’t feel as fulfilling as it normally does (coaching interrupted seasons) but at the same time you also have to commit knowing you can do it again.
“That probably played some part (in my decision).”
The Bloods are in the process of building a young, developing list, which has so far netted rewards including the emergence of Will Kain, the consistency of Joe Arundell and Gus Bourke and the addition of midfielder Brodie Carracher.
Add in the blooding of eight debutants including the likes of Darcy Hobbs, Harvey Roberts and Will Tickner and it’s fair to say the Bloods are heading in the right direction.
Kenna said his reappointment would only help to build on those foundations laid this year, but also create a layer of stability for the club in the current uncertain times.
He is planning to shore up the club’s playing list before the start of pre-season, while he is also keen to bolster its ranks with some much needed depth.
“I’ll aim to get around everyone over the next week or two,” Kenna said.
“I’m confident that most of the guys will stick around, but you always have for various reasons a few who don’t but that’s normal.
“We need to add some depth too because that would just make selection that little bit harder.
“I’m looking forward to 2022 and I’m hoping the Terang Mortlake Football Netball Club can enjoy it too.”