North Melbourne might have approached Longmire, but Shaw’s winning start shows he has claims for top job
Interim North Melbourne Kangaroos coach Rhyce Shaw has made a strong start and admits he would love to take on the top job on a permanent basis.
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North Melbourne has already made an approach to Swans coach John Longmire about its vacant coaching position, but caretaker Rhyce Shaw is building a serious body of work as to why he must be right in the equation after the Kangaroos dismantled premiership contender Collingwood last night.
The Kangaroos kept Collingwood to its lowest score in 24 years - since Round 5, 1995 - with a relentless 44-point win (81-37), to keep their own finals hopes alive.
Afterwards, Shaw reiterated his desire to chase the job on a more permanent basis, but played down suggestions his team can push for the finals after four wins from its past five games, including three under his watch.
When asked if finals were on his mind, with the Kangaroos only a game and sizeable percentage out of the eight, Shaw said: “Not at all, mate.”
“I actually worry about the next challenge,” he said. “This was a huge challenge for us playing against Collingwood at Marvel (Stadium) on a fast deck against a really quality midfield.
“That’s enough of a challenge for me to worry about. That’s all I was thinking, that’s all I planned for. It was really well executed by the boys.”
Shaw was more forthcoming about his coaching ambitions, saying he would desperately love to lead the side into the future.
“Yeah, I would love to coach this football team, no doubt,” he said. “But that is a long way down the road at the moment. I am just trying to get to Monday.”
Kangaroos skipper Jack Ziebell, who was so important for his team last night, gave Shaw a massive tick for his work within the group.
“He’s simplified things a lot,” Ziebell told Fox Footy. ““The first thing he said (when appointed coach) was ‘I’m a simple man’ and he’s kept it very simple for us boys.
“This playing group has been through quite a lot this year. With Brad (Scott) leaving, Shawy was outstanding throughout that period.
“He’s got great relationships with the lads and he’s brought all the boys together and I think that’s showing in our footy.”
The fact the victory came against the club where Shaw once played, and where his family is Collingwood royalty, wasn’t lost on him. His father, Ray, a former Magpie skipper, was in the Kangaroos rooms last night.
Shaw said he couldn’t put his finger on why the Kangaroos had bounced back following the exit of long-time coach Brad Scott, but insisted it was a player-led revival.
“They have bandied around each other ... it is a player-driven team,” he said.
“They really are tight, they work really well for each other, we give them the direction and they try and execute.
“They have narrowed their focus over the last four weeks.”
Shaw said he “couldn’t be more proud” of the players, saying it was “a really complete performance” from the group.
“The pressure was really relentless,” he said.
“I am a defensive first coach. The guys have bought it and it worked out really well for us.”
The only downside for the Kangaroos was the serious Achilles injury to first-gamer Kyron Hayden, who faces an extended period on the sidelines.
“It doesn’t look good for Kyron ... he will get a scan but it looks pretty bad for the kid,” Shaw said.
Originally published as North Melbourne might have approached Longmire, but Shaw’s winning start shows he has claims for top job
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