Lake Wendouree sign Ben Hayes and Michael Foster for this season

One Ballarat football team has turned back the clock in its bid to rise up the ladder in 2023 with a number of big names returning to the club.

The return of two premiership players has Lake Wendouree confident a rise up the ladder is possible this year in Ballarat football.

The Lakers struggled last year in former Hawthorn and Melbourne player Jack Fitzpatrick’s first year as coach.

Fitzpatrick’s side started well, beating Redan in the first match, before losing the last 15 games of the season to finish last.

Lake Wendouree has gone about rectifying their results last year by signing former players who know how to bring success to the club.

Ben Hayes and Michael Foster, two players from the 2010 premiership win, have both signed on for this year.

Foster returns to the club after helping Donald reach the North Central league grand final last season.

Former Beaufort player Michael Foster (right) is coming back to Lake Wendouree. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Fitzpatrick said while changes had to happen it wasn’t all doom and gloom.

“Last year was tough on many fronts,” he said.

“It was a great opportunity though for our young group to learn about each other. We will take plenty from last year and hopefully it will hold us in good stead moving forward.”

Natural growth from younger players has also added to the club’s depth.

The Lakers have also signed Liam Holmes from South Barwon and Darcy Thompson from Natte Bealiba.

Fitzpatrick said the recruitment and off-season has been targeted at returning to club to the top for not only this year but for the long-term.

“We are trying to build a brand and style that will not only serve us well in 2023, but that will hopefully hold the club in good stead for many years to come,” he said.

“We do that by trying to lift standards and bring as many players along for that ride as possible. We need to improve a lot, which speaks for itself when you only win one game.

“Put simply, we were scored against too often and we didn’t score enough, so everything we do is geared around fixing one or the other.”

Former Hawthorn player Jack Fitzpatrick is coaching the Lakers for a second season. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Fitzpatrick also learned a lot about himself and coaching in his first season.

The 26-game AFL player admitted he hasn’t set any goals for this season but hoped Lake Wendouree would rise up the ladder and be more competitive.

“I’d obviously rather win the premiership and finish on top of the ladder (than finish bottom) but ladder position doesn’t concern me a great deal,” he said.

“We aren’t just aiming to have a good 2023, we’re trying to lay the foundations to set this club up long-term.

“Even though we were last in 2022, there were signs we started to improve, even if not on-field, at least with our training and standards.

“Hopefully that can continue this year and beyond.”

Lake Wendouree faces Redan in the first game of the season on Good Friday.