VFL: Fitzy to stay with Roosters

By David Brehaut
Updated November 2 2012 - 2:58pm, first published October 8 2010 - 2:10pm

GERARD FitzGerald has ruled out joining AFL ranks as an assistant coach.FitzGerald says he has been approached since leading North Ballarat to a third consecutive VFL premiership.However, his reply has been a "thanks, but no thanks''."I would like to think I am qualified to coach an AFL team one day."It would be great to coach at the highest level."Improving ourselves. That's what we all strive for,'' he said.FitzGerald believes he already holds a coaching position which has much going for it.As Roosters head coach, FitzGerald already effectively has a development role with AFL club North Melbourne.North Ballarat's part alignment with the Kangaroos means FitzGerald is coaching AFL-listed players on a weekly basis."I am in constant contact with the North Melbourne coaching panel."It's a great relationship.''FitzGerald said he was fortunate to have a full-time coaching role in a unique structure."North Ballarat is the only (Australian Rules) model of its type in Australia."We're the only country-based VFL team and have ties with all levels of the game, from Auskick through regional clubs to the (North Ballarat) Rebels and Kangaroos.''FitzGerald, who has another year to run on his contract with the Roosters, said coaching at the highest level could be a cut-throat game."There are no guarantees."There are 90 to 100 assistant and development coaches in the AFL,'' he said.FitzGerald said while some were fortunate to remain in the system for an extended time, there was a constant turnover.He said each year there was a line-up of newly retired players going into the system."Someone has to make way (for them) and those who drop out then look for coaching jobs at state level ? similar to what I am doing now.''FitzGerald said the lifestyle which Ballarat offered was also a major drawcard to remain with the Roosters.Two of this year's VFL head coaches have joined AFL clubs as assistant coaches: Box Hill Hawks' Brendon Bolton to Hawthorn and Sandringham's Andy Lovell to the Gold Coast Suns.Gavin Brown yesterday announced he was moving from Collingwood to Carlton as an assistant coach. He had coached the Magpies in the VFL for the past three years.

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