NORTH Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow says Gerard FitzGerald’s work in developing the Roosters, young Kangaroos and regional football has been “unbelievable”.
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Swallow opted to play two games with the Roosters in the VFL for his return from injury last year. He said FitzGerald helped him return to AFL ranks in 2009 and helped him rebuild confidence.
“What he was always able to do is create a really positive environment for all the guys who went back to the VFL whether it was because you’d been dropped, coming back from injury or just starting out as a draftee,” Swallow said. “He made footy fun.”
Kangaroos’ assistant coach Darren Crocker said FitzGerald was a great teacher for young players and was big on learning in return.
“He’s always embraced what we do and our game-style and has taken it back to North Ballarat,” Crocker said. “He’s someone who has been a sponge, despite the experience he has. That’s something you like to see in a coach.”
