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JOHN Fitzgerald admits the lure of a premiership was a major factor in his decision to extend his contract at Drysdale.
Fitzgerald has put pen to paper on a new deal that will tie him to the Hawks until the end of the 2015 season.
“We all want to win premierships and to get really close last year and miss out is certainly a factor,” Fitzgerald said yesterday.
“But that can’t be the sole motivation as a coach. You’ve got to do as much as you can, build a list and if you get lucky then so be it.”
Fitzgerald believes Drysdale’s premiership window is open, but admits ladder leader Geelong Amateur will be hard to beat.
“We were two goals behind them last time we played but I think we’re certainly close,” Fitzgerald said.
“On paper you’d imagine that their best is going to be better than anyone else in the competition but there’s no guarantees come finals time.
“If you’re in there, you’re a chance.”
The Hawks have extended Fitzgerald’s contract with a view to a succession plan in the future.
“We’ve got a few guys internally that we were looking at but their circumstances have changed and it’s going to be harder for them to do it,” Fitzgerald said.
“It gives us a bit of time now to look at a few options.
“Three years is a pretty good time frame. It gives you some continuity and stability and it’s also the appropriate time to spend around the players.
“From the start we were looking at that scenario and if a better option came up for the club then I’ve got no problem stepping aside.”
