While Sydney had no shortage of stars to work with, new North Melbourne assistant coach Rhyce Shaw can’t wait to get his hands on the Kangaroos’ crop of players.
A premiership defender and two-time AFLCA Assistant Coach of the Year, Shaw will work with the club’s defenders, but may also be able to help Ben Brown improve his game even further.
Shaw says Brown might benefit from knowing how teams like Sydney planned to beat him.
“I spent a lot of time on Benny Brown, and put a lot of time into stopping him,” Shaw revealed in an extensive interview with North Media.
“He always is moving so he gives the defenders a lot of problems, and is such an accurate kick that we didn’t want to give him opportunities.”
Since retiring from playing at the end of 2015, Shaw has built a strong reputation as one of the game’s best up-and-coming coaches and is looking forward to mentoring the likes of Ben McKay, Majak Daw and Robbie Tarrant.
Like most onlookers on North’s 2018 season, Shaw is excited by the development of Daw as a defender.
“Majak’s transition was really exciting to watch,” he said.
“His ability to mark and intercept really gave the team a new avenue, and I’m excited to get to work with him and guys like Taz (Robbie Tarrant) and Scott Thompson.”
Having played against Thompson many times, Shaw has nothing but respect for the wily veteran.
“I always thought Scotty was a bit of a pest,” he said laughing.
“I really admire the way he goes about it, he’s an in your face defender and doesn’t take a backwards step, which is what you want from your leaders.
“I met Ben (McKay) and Ed (Vickers-Willis) last week, and they are both really exciting players.
“Ben excites me, and speaking to a few of the coaches, although he didn’t get a go (at senior level) last year, he looks like he is ready to go.”
Shaw, a 237-game player at Collingwood and Sydney, said existing connections at the Roos was a major factor in him coming to Arden Street.
“I was in contact with a couple of clubs, but I had good connections with Brad Scott and Gavin Brown from my time with Collingwood, and with guys like Jarred Moore and Leigh Tudor from my time with the Swans,” Shaw said.
“Scotty (Brad Scott) was my line coach for a time there at Collingwood and he was always really encouraging and I looked towards him as a bit of a mentor, and he was fantastic for my development.
“It’s a great opportunity to join a club heading in the right direction, and I think Scotty has played a massive part in that.
Despite being at the Swans for the last decade, Shaw is expecting a smooth transition to his new club.
“I always thought that North Melbourne were similar to Sydney,” he said.
“They had a really strong culture and great direction, where you knew what you were coming up against.
“It feels a bit different after ten years in the red and white, but I think blue is a bit more my colour.”
You can listen to the full interview with Rhyce Shaw below.
