The politics of dismissal aside, this is about so much more than his enviable record of wins. Mr. Fitzgerald has nothing less than an exemplary career as a coach and a mentor to many of the regions fine young sportsmen.   Moreover his role in the community showed a similar sense of energy and passion that he dedicated to his professional career.

There are not many individuals who can add even more to a game than their singular sporting skills but “Fitzy”, as he is affectionately known, can certainly lay claim to that. He was a leader who always saw the bigger picture and his enthusiasm for the Eureka sports precinct was a clear indicator of how he saw the wider benefits to Ballarat. For the thousands who know him, they will also testify that even in the hurly-burly of sport, he remained a gentleman.