Bendigo models VFL coach criteria on Ballarat's FitzGerald

IF BENDIGO Football Club could clone Gerard FitzGerald it would.The Bombers have made it clear they have modelled criteria for a new coach on North Ballarat’s triple premiership general for when it comes time for Bendigo to become a stand-alone club in the 2013 Victorian Football League season.Candidates must be a great teacher, experienced, focused on coaching and player development and be able to play a key ambassadorial role in the community.While FitzGerald was flattered by the comparisons, he confirmed the Roosters had met with Bendigo to offer support in keeping alive the VFL and its benefits to country football.While the Roosters have shared a partial alignment with North Melbourne for six years, the club spent a decade as an independent, which FitzGerald said was tough when others, like Traralgon, had failed.“We saw it as important (to meet with the Bombers) as they prepare to go into a new era. It’s important for the continued growth and development of the VFL into country Victoria,” FitzGerald said.“As a VFL club we believe we play a role in helping the growth and development of local football.“The Roosters’ most success in our recent era has been when football in Ballarat and the region has been strong. We hope that, working together, it will continue to strengthen.“Full marks to them proudly saying what they are going to do, and as a result, they will spend the next year setting up the club’s future for 2013 and beyond.”Hayden Skipworth will coach the Bombers this year, the club’s last season in an alignment with Essendon, with the position to be advertised this week.The Bombers hoped to announce a coach by the end of next month with the successful candidate to fill a part-time role this season and becoming full-time from October 1.Bendigo chairman Peter Lodewijks said the club needed a coach with the same qualities as FitzGerald to lead the charge and it was vital that applicants meet all the criteria.“Being the regional team that we are, we need more than just a coach, we need someone to be part of the community,” Lodewijks said.“Our coach will have to be everywhere, and that’s what Gerard does.“What Gerard does in Ballarat is amazing. He’s the coach, but he’s a bit like Kevin Sheedy in that he’s a great PR man and much more...it’s an ambassador’s role where he will not only be coaching, but growing the club and growing the brand, and most importantly, will be well respected.”