New development coach Heath Scotland has echoed the thoughts of Jade Rawlings, highlighting Rhyce’s Shaw presence as a key reason he wanted to join North Melbourne.

“He’s (Shaw) a very impressive man, and he knows what he wants and where he wants to take North Melbourne,” Scotland told SEN. 

“From the outside looking in, it’s been really impressive what he’s done and I can’t wait to get in the inner sanctum and learn as much as I can. 

“I’m impressed with the meetings I’ve had so far. They have a clear picture of where they are and where they want to get to.”

After a slow start to 2019, the Roos finished the year strongly with a 7-5 record under Shaw’s guidance.

“I think you saw the impact Rhyce had quite quickly, and I think with a full pre-season behind him that you’ll see a sharp improvement,” Scotland said.

“Two games outside of the eight (in 2019); I don’t see any reason why finals can’t be in the equation next year.”

The former Collingwood and Carlton star has been outside the AFL system since retiring in 2014, and cutting his teeth in coaching at the local level. 

“I’ve always had a passion for coaching,” he said.

“After I retired, I was involved with the VFL side at Carlton for the back-end of the season.

“Since then I’ve been involved in local football out at Doncaster, and more recently coaching at Darley in the Ballarat Football League.”

His desire to begin his coaching journey in the local leagues inspired by a conversation with then Carlton, and current St Kilda coach, Brett Ratten. 

“A conversation I had with Brett Ratten at the end of my career has resonated with me,” Scotland added. 

“He said that if I want to get into coaching, to go out and coach your own side. 

“Learn to cut the oranges get involved as a senior coach at local level because you don’t have the resources and you learn so much. 

“I’ve enjoyed the last five years and I’ve learnt a lot, and I look forward to bringing that experience to the young guys at North Melbourne.”