The outspoken coach has now served his unparalleled six-game ban since being rubbed out for inappropriate behaviour towards multiple umpires in the 2017 decider.

But Winter did not front up to requests to speak to the Hobart media on his return to coaching ahead of his side’s clash with Clarence.

Southern Bombers injured skipper Bryce Walsh defended Winter’s latest absence.

Walsh, with a straight face, said Winter – the baker by profession – was busy meeting a flour company to “bring in a new gluten-free range”.

“That’s the reason, which is unfortunate for him, coming back this week, but I have a lot of times on my hands at the moment,” Walsh said.

Lauderdale has struggled from the coach’s game day addresses in 2018, registering just two wins in six games. 

Walsh does not believe Winter’s return will strike fear into the players any further than he does from afar.

“Windy couldn’t be there in the rooms or quarter or three-quarter time breaks, but he’s still there on Monday nights and when we do reviews,” he said.

“So blokes got told if their efforts are not acceptable.”