The Courier understands an official recommendation was made to the board to reappoint FitzGerald, only for the board to chose not to renew his contract beyond this year.

Instead, the new board decided to cut ties with the esteemed coach at the end of the VFL season, causing an internal row within in the club.

The announcement of FitzGerald’s sacking at a members meeting on Monday night has caused a rift at the club, with a number of life members voicing their strong disagreement with the board’s decision.

Former chairman, Roosters’ life member and hall of fame member Peter Wilson said the board had failed to realise the impact its decision would have on the Ballarat community.

Wilson said he would have preferred the three-time premiership coach be reappointed, but insisted members were more upset with the governance of the board, rather than the decision itself.

“There will be continued upset and disharmony at the club over the football politics at play here,” he told The Courier.

“Many of the new board members have little exposure to the to the sports club as a whole, or the Roosters as a club. That’s not a criticism, that’s a fact.”

Although there is no word on any no confidence vote from members toward the board as yet, Wilson said there needed to at least be some changes in personnel.

“Nearly all of the key stakeholders have not embraced the decision, that’s clear,” he said. 

Wilson said he felt the way the board was currently being run had undone what he had aspired to achieve in his 15 years as chairman up until 2010.

“It’s the biggest own goal in history, to use a soccer term,” he said.

“The board should recognise the concern shared around the issues here and sit and communicate their reasons for their decision.”

Meanwhile, the Roosters’ board met with AFL Victoria on Wednesday, in which the future of North Ballarat in the VFL was put on the table.

North Ballarat Sports Club chairman Jenny Bromeley described the league as “extremely positive”, affirming the club’s long-term commitment in the VFL.

“The advice and guidance of AFL Victoria was greatly appreciated,” she said.

As part of the meeting, AFL Victoria indicated that the current structure of the competition was its preferred model, while also committing to North Ballarat as a key member of the competition.

AFL Victoria also agreed to work closely with North Ballarat to ensure that there is a successful transition to being a standalone team in the VFL from next season, recognising the significant battles that face regional sides.