And to keep building on it.

A home game loss to Richmond on Sunday, in which the Roosters were reminded a few on-field lessons, was the first Victorian Football League game back since the North Ballarat board made its decision known to not reappoint FitzGerald at the season’s end. It was a polarising decision in the wider Ballarat community, but FitzGerald’s focus for his players was on the bigger picture this week.

Roosters players wore double black arm bands in action and FitzGerald was firm in his players understanding exactly why. 

One was for North Ballarat hall of famer Ken Clark, who died late in the week. Clark joined the club as a junior in 1962, played in an under-14 premiership and progressed to senior ranks where he was named best clubman and became club president a year later. He remained a staunch Roosters’ fan to the end.

The other was joining the national football mourning for Adelaide coach Phil Walsh. FitzGerald urged players  to keep talking with their fathers and talking with their sons – a clear reminder of perspective and how fragile life can be.

Players have been resolute in their decision to stand by FitzGerald in the wake of the board’s decision to find a new coach when the club turns standalone in the VFL.

Any talk of what has happened internally at the club the past fortnight will not be used for any form of motivation. Just like any major individual milestones are not promoted to spur on action under FitzGerald’s coaching.

FitzGerald said it has been business as usual in preparations – training, analysing and recovery. They will take what they have learned from playing Richmond into a bout against the formidable Box Hill next week. That includes off-field understanding in bigger issues that tend to make their way into the football world and history that led them to the level football they now play.