NORTH Ballarat will take a timely break from the on-field challenges of the VFL this weekend.
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The Roosters have a bye and it could not have come a better time after one of the most tumultuous weeks in their 20 seasons in the Victorian Football League.
There is no coach in the VFL who prepares better for game day than Gerard FitzGerald.
However, FitzGerald would have faced one of his biggest challenges to be at the level he would desire just days after being told this would be his last season at the helm of North Ballarat.
No one coaches forever and few leave on their own terms. Most coaches get a tap on the shoulder at some point.
FitzGerald has been through it before, leaving the Roosters at the end of 2002 and parting ways with Port Melbourne after leading the Borough to a grand final in his only year in charge.
Football clubs have the right to hire and fire.
At the same time though members and fans, and of course the players, deserve to know the reasoning behind the decision and this is a major issue of contention in this case, and one which FitzGerald supporters have had the most trouble coming to terms with.
FitzGerald has always been a players’ coach – putting a huge emphasis on ensuring he has the closest possible relationship with his boys.
Three premierships attest to this.
There has been no stronger support for FitzGerald this week than from his leadership group and despite their obvious commitment to the head coach it would have been difficult playing at 100 per cent had they been required to front up this weekend.
The week off will give everyone time to come to terms with the course the Roosters’ board has set and ensure they give the run home their best possible shot a salute to FitzGerald.
As is usual for FitzGerald when the Roosters have a mid-season bye, he has gone away on a pre-planned trip.
Senior assistant coach Marc Greig led week’s main training session on Wednesday after briefing to the full player group by the leadership group.
The Roosters will have Friday off before returning to the training track on Monday.
Matt Austin is one key player who will benefit greatly from a lighter week.
He is a big chance to return from knee trouble for the Roosters’ next assignment against Richmond at Eureka Stadium on Sunday, July 5.
North Ballarat sits on three wins in 13th position after 10 games – two wins and a lump of percentage outside the top eight.
