Jack Fitzpatrick and Ballarat club Lake Wendouree have parted ways

Ballarat league struggler Lake Wendouree is on the hunt for a new coach after Jack Fitzpatrick stepped down after a year and a half in the job.

Lake Wendouree and Jack Fitzpatrick have parted ways.

Ballarat league struggler Lake Wendouree is on the hunt for a new coach.

Ex-AFL player Jack Fitzpatrick stepped down from the top job on Friday after a year and a half at the club.

He’s the second BFNL coach to go in a matter of days after Melton South and Jason Hamilton parted ways.

Lake Wendouree currently sits ninth with one win for the season, a 102-point belting of Melton South, after finishing last with just one win last season.

Fitzpatrick said commuting to Ballarat from Melbourne had played a significant part in his decision.

“While the term ‘resignation’ doesn’t necessarily sit well with me with half a year still to play, I’m comfortable that this decision is in the best interests of the club,” Fitzpatrick said on the club’s Facebook page.

“The club has known for a while that, given my personal circumstances, I was unlikely to continue in the role beyond this season.

“Already living in Melbourne and with a new job in the CBD, it will only become more difficult to fulfil the demands of the role and parting ways now allows the club to move forward and plan for the future sooner rather than later.

“I’ve loved my time at the Lakers and while we haven’t got as many wins during my time as I would’ve liked, I’m proud of the development of our young playing group – both as players and as people.”

Fitzpatrick took the reins at Brown Reserve in 2021 after Dale Power’s departure.

The former Melbourne and Hawthorn big man played 26 AFL games and since retired held coaching roles at VFL club Werribee and at Western Bulldogs AFLW.

The interim job could fall to reserves coach Lane Buckwell.

Lake Wendouree president Michael Taylor said it was in the club’s best interests to start the coaching search immediately.

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“It is in ours and Jack’s best interest that we begin the search for an alternative coach as soon as possible,” he said in a Facebook post.

“This will allow the club to plan for what we believe is an exciting future as we continue to develop from within under our one club strategy.

“We sincerely thank Jack for his services to the Lakers and wish him every success in the future.”

The Lakers return to action after the King’s Birthday long weekend with a difficult trip to East Point before hosting North Ballarat.