The North Melbourne Football Club and senior coach, Rhyce Shaw, have come to a mutual decision to part ways, effective immediately.
North chairman, Ben Buckley, expressed his gratitude to Rhyce for his dedicated service, and wished him the best for the future.
“Since taking on the role as caretaker coach in the middle of the season in 2019 and then senior coach for 2020, Rhyce Shaw has given his all to the club," Buckley said.
"He has been an exceptional leader and is a man of the highest integrity. His work ethic is unparalleled and we are truly grateful for the time, effort and energy he’s put into the role."
Shaw thanked the club for the opportunity it afforded him.
“I'm immensely grateful to the North Melbourne Football Club for the opportunity it afforded me as senior coach, and want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the football department and club staff, as well as North's incredible members and supporters, who together, endured an extraordinarily challenging season.
“Your contribution, commitment and dedication to this club was enormous, and I am deeply grateful.
“To the players – I will forever cherish the relationships we built and the stories we shared, and I'm grateful for the courage and belief you demonstrated along the journey.
“I'd also like to extend my thanks to members of the AFL media for the care and respect they've shown during this time.
“Despite the challenges of the past year, my passion for football remains. The experiences I've had throughout my career developing young footballers to reach their potential has given me the greatest satisfaction and pride, and I hope to have the opportunity to contribute to this great game again in the future.
“For now, however, my focus is on taking time out, and I would ask that my privacy, and that of my family, continue to be respected at this time."
Buckley outlined the next steps for the club as it embarks on a search for a new coach.
“Over the past few weeks we have had to plan for several contingencies. One of those was to prepare to find a new coach and that search begins immediately,” he said.
“We will establish a coaching panel with a simple aim: to identify and appoint the best coach available.
“The successful candidate will have the opportunity to continue to build towards the next era of success at Arden St and work with one of the most talented groups of young players in the league.
“We will head to the draft with two first-round picks (currently 2 & 9) and will look to add more young talent through the trade and free agency periods.
“I have great faith in those leading the football department in Brady Rawlings, Scott Clayton, Mark Finnigan and Glenn Luff, to create something special and believe there’s a great nucleus of youth to build around and add to.”
