DECORATED VFL coaches Gary Ayres, Peter German and Andrew Collins back long-time rival Gerard FitzGerald as the prefect candidate to lead a standalone club in an increasingly tough state league environment.
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All three said North Ballarat’s board decision to cut FitzGerald as coach was a great loss for the Roosters and the Victorian Football League, especially when the club goes solo next season. Ayres (Port Melbourne), German (Coburg) and Collins (Williamstown) are each at the helm of standalone VFL clubs, competing against the growing might of AFL off-shoots.
German, who coached alongside FitzGerald in state games, was axed from a well-resourced Williamstown when the club went solo in a split from Western Bulldogs two years ago. He moved to Coburg, a struggling suburban club starting from scratch after ending ties with AFL club Richmond.
“It’s a big gamble for a club to go with a new coach (in a transition period). Sometimes it’s better the devil you know but only clubs know what they need...even coaches don’t always read the tea leaves as well as they should,” German said.
“You have to change how you coach with the football trends and importantly, with society. Fitzy’s longevity shows his ability to adapt.”
While FitzGerald is widely regarded for his astute knowledge, respect for the competition and genuine nature, Collins said FitzGerald’s fighting spirit was the key to his longevity.
“I always say this to Fitzy – he’s a nice person but never underestimate his competitive streak,” Collins said.
“He comes across as a great person with great values – and he really is – but he certainly doesn’t lack the competitive streak of us lesser humans coaching.
“...This is a really sad day for the VFL to lose someone of such experience, who enhances the competition with his sheer presence – and I don’t say that lightly. He’s a ripper.”
Ayres, who has coached against and alongside Fitzgerald, always found him meticulous in his planning, clear in KPIs and how to get the best from players. But he was also was humble, supportive and a great friend – the perfect candidate to lead a standalone VFL club.
“Absolutely. His knowledge, his communication skills and the passion he’s got for football,” Ayres said. “He’s such a wonderful person and coach and has the right recipe to lead a standalone club.”
Western Bulldogs head of development Chris Maple paid tribute to his mentor and old boss, who he succeeded at North Ballarat Rebels. In a fitting twist, Maple coached Footscray’s inaugural VFL team against the Roosters in FitzGerald’s VFL record equalling 313th game.
“He’s a great mentor and really good communicator with all his staff and players...He’s a really top bloke, really good football person and he’s really influenced my career,” Maple said.
“When I coached against him last, I knew that you’re always going to come up against a North Ballarat side that’s excellently prepared and well-structured for battle...I wish him all the best.”