THIS is the end of a successful and pivotal era in North Ballarat Roosters’ history.
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Gerard FitzGerald – the man who pioneered the Roosters’ to their first Victorian Football League premiership – will finish as head coach at the season’s end.
In this his second stanza at the Roosters’ helm, FitzGerald has overseen three VFL premierships, set the league coaching record and help the club evolve in the axing of its development team by strengthening ties with grassroots footy.
FitzGerald has always felt responsibility as this region’s VFL coach to develop the game through western Victoria and getting the best of his players off the field.
He has maintained an open-door policy to offer advice to coaches across the state.
Ballarat Football League senior representative coach and former Waubra coach Shane Skontra said FitzGerald’s leadership in coaching has been invaluable and was shocked with the Roosters’ decision on Monday night.
“Specifically his work with us leading into interleague has always been over and above what has been required,” Skontra said.
“He’s a great mentor. I’ve learned a lot about different coaching situations from him and have been guided by his experience. He’s been involved in rep footy at VFL state level, which is about getting players (from all clubs) to gel.”
FitzGerald has always taken a keen interest in his players and their pathways off the field. Talking with him, he has proudly spoken of their studies or trade outside the club and leadership players have taken back to grassroots level.
Roosters premiership player Bill Driscoll, now with Central Highlands club Springbank, said FitzGerald has always been great ongoing support in helping players build life skills.
Driscoll was FitzGerald’s captain at the Rebels in the TAC Cup and played out his senior VFL football with FitzGerald.
“Fitzy was always teaching you on the field and off the field stuff...you don’t usually expect help like that from a football coach,” Driscoll said.
“He was always learning off others too, more than anyone, for new and better ways to improve our game.
“Whatever he does from now on, after the Roosters, I know he’ll be successful and hope he enjoys it.”
Fitzy fact file
VFL games coached: 337. Equalled Bill Faul’s 313 VFL/VFA coaching record in round five last year. Faul’s record stood for 56 years.
VFL state coach: 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2010.
North Ballarat Roosters: 1997-2002; 2007-2015
Roosters VFL premierships: 2008-10; grand finalist 1999-2000. Fourth coach in VFL history to win three successive premierships.
Springvale: 2003
Port Melbourne: 2004 (grand finalist)
North Ballarat Rebels’ TAC Cup under-18s coach: 2005-06.
Other clubs coached include Sea Lake, Mortlake and Camperdown.
