Fitzsimmons was just 17 years old when he made his Melbourne debut, having come to the club from Kyabram.
[2] He spent much of his time in the VFL as a half forward flanker and despite playing 14 games in his first season, made only 30 appearances over the next four years.
[2] In 1978 he finally put together regular games and was sixth in Melbourne's Keith Truscott Medal count, after playing a total of 17 matches and averaging 15 disposals for the year.
[2] Although he appeared in the opening two rounds of the 1979 VFL season, Fitzsimmons finished the football season in Western Australia, with West Perth.
[3] Used mostly across half back, he was West Perth's "Best and Fairest" winner in 1980.