AFLNT Hall of Famer Tony Shaw has died in Sydney
A legend of the Northern Territory game, Tony Shaw, has been remembered for his passion and leadership with an influence spanning generations.
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Tony Shaw, the long serving player, coach and administrator who revolutionised Northern Territory football in the 1960s and ‘70s, has died in Sydney.
A premiership player with the Neil Kerley coached South Adelaide in 1964 alongside Tiwi Islands great David Kantilla, Shaw’s knowledge of the game and his ability to get the best out of his players were important factors in his coaching career.
He coached three NTFL representative sides, including the inaugural 1974 side that upset Queensland in a 1974 clash in Brisbane.
An inaugural Hall of Famer with the league, Shaw coached St Mary’s, Nightcliff, North Darwin (now Palmerston) and Waratah from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s.
NTFL president for six seasons from 1987-88 to ‘93-94 in an unpaid role, he was a big factor in the league’s move from its spiritual home at Gardens Oval to Marrara’s Football Park in 1991.
He was also the board member of the Tiwi Bombers for their inaugural season.
The AFLNT honoured Shaw as one of the greats of the Territory game for his contributions across many clubs and organisations.
“Tony Shaw was a giant of the game in the Northern Territory - a tireless contributor whose influence spanned generations,” an AFLNT spokeswoman.
“As a coach, administrator and mentor, Tony helped shape the pathways that so many Territory footballers walk today.
“His leadership and passion were instrumental in building the strong foundations of NT football.
“The AFL community extends its deepest sympathies to Tony’s family, friends, and all those who were fortunate to work and play alongside him.”
Another important figure in Territory football was Wanderers legend Paddy Leverance, who died in Darwin earlier this month after a long illness.
A former player and administrator at Wanderers, Leverance was a big media personality with the ABC Radio through the late 1970s until the mid 1980s.
He was a board member of the NTFL and a development officer who was a shining light in promoting Australian football throughout the NT.
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