Lakers president Chris Brennan said on the club's Facebook page that the thorough process the club undertook led it to Fitzpatrick.

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"Our process has been thorough to find the right person to lead our club," he said.

"Jack has the credentials and the personal qualities to take our club to the next level.

"He has impressed us greatly in our discussions and we are very excited to have him on board for the next 2 seasons."

Fitzpatrick joins Lakers after a 26-game, 27-goal AFL career.

The 31-year-old was drafted by Melbourne with pick 50 in the 2009 national draft.

He debuted in round 24 of 2011 against Port Adelaide, kicking a goal, and managed a further 21 games and 23 goals before being delisted after the 2015 season.

He joined Hawthorn for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

There, Fitzpatrick managed a further four games and three goals, including a famous running goal against Collingwood from the centre square to help lift the Hawks into third spot on the ladder in the final round of 2016.

The 200cm big man retired after the 2017 season due to ongoing concussion issues.

Fitzpatrick takes over from Dale Power who departed Lakers after four years in charge of the senior side.

This past season, Lake Wendouree finished the season with a 4-6 record and ninth on the BFNL ladder.

The news of Fitzpatrick's signing follows the big reveal from Darley that Brett Bewley has returned to the club after being delisted by Fremantle after this season.

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