The North Ballarat barred players from speaking with media at a club press conference on Tuesday afternoon announcing their decision not to renew FitzGerald’s coaching tenure at the season’s end. The Courier understands only the team’s leadership group was allowed to attend.

Roosters’ co-captain Matt Austin and Myles Sewell both chose to speak with The Courier on the issue.

They said the general overall feeling among the playing group was of shock. FitzGerald informed players and staff of the board’s decision at 5.30pm on Monday night.

Austin said FitzGerald had sought full team support to coach out the season.

“Everyone was 100 per cent in support. We want him to stay on next season but it has not worked out that way,” Austin said.

“We want to play out the season and finish strong for him – he’s deserved that for all he’s done in the game.”

The board made its decision amid an ongoing internal review. Player opinion has not been sought in the review to date.

Austin said players learned on Monday the board was sharing its decision on FitzGerald in a forum for club stakeholders that night. Leaders made an open call to the playing group to attend.

Austin said it was a chance for players to listen to the board and voice their questions.

The Courier understands widespread reaction to the board’s announcement was heated and passionate.

Roosters’ premiership player Steve Clifton voiced his support for FitzGerald on Tuesday.

Clifton, a dual JJ Liston medallist, still feels FitzGerald’s influence on Ballarat football now he is playing with Lake Wendouree and adopting similar midfield structures.

The decorated onballer said there was the off-field stuff he still appreciated too.

“Fitzy establishes a relationship with players so you can go and have a chat with him about anything,” Clifton said. “He's not only a coach, he’s a mentor.”