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North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw doubles down on comments about Round 2 plane companions Essendon

Rhyce Shaw said his players’ have been “flogged” in preparation for the return to footy against GWS, but he doubled down on his recent comments about the Kangaroos’ Round 2 travel companions, Essendon.

Rhyce Shaw has doubled down on his comments towards Essendon. Picture: Getty Images
Rhyce Shaw has doubled down on his comments towards Essendon. Picture: Getty Images

NORTH Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw has doubled down on his recent comments about the club's Round 1 travel companions Essendon as he said the Kangaroos are primed to take on Greater Western Sydney on June 14.

The Roos will share a chartered flight with the Bombers on game day next week, with the teams taking on the Giants and the Swans respectively next Sunday.

Shaw said last week the club understood why it had to share a plane with a rival team due to the COVID-19 protocols but it didn't sit well with him that it had to be the Kangaroos' fiercest rivals Essendon.

"It wasn't a joke," Shaw told Triple M about his recent comments.

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Rhyce Shaw has doubled down on his comments towards Essendon. Picture: Getty Images
Rhyce Shaw has doubled down on his comments towards Essendon. Picture: Getty Images

I know how passionate North Melbourne supporters are. I know the history of North Melbourne and Essendon and being the coach (I) read up on a lot of history of our great club.

"They are our biggest rivals. It doesn't sit comfortably with me, having to share a plane with them.

"We are just going to have to do that and I don't know about the seating arrangements … but it is going to be a bit awkward, I bet you."

Shaw said the Kangaroos' match simulation on Friday had given him great confidence his team can prove hard to beat against the Giants in Round 2.

"We actually flogged the boys (early in the lockdown period)," he said.

"Our guys have come back in great nick.

"We had a bit of match sim practice match (on Friday) and we got through unscathed, which is important, but we also got some conditioning into our players. "

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Originally published as North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw doubles down on comments about Round 2 plane companions Essendon

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/north-melbourne-coach-rhyce-shaw-doubles-down-on-comments-about-round-2-plane-companions-essendon/news-story/454b08925119c6afee2040316767b15a