Suns job has ‘invigorated’ me: ex-Kangaroos coach Shaw
Murray Wenzel |
Invigorated Rhyce Shaw has laughed off a possible return to AFL coaching as he prepares to make history with Gold Coast’s AFLW side.
The former North Melbourne mentor will become the first person to be a full-time head coach of both leagues when the Suns begin their season against West Coast in Perth on Thursday.
It’s Shaw’s first head coaching role since 2020, when he took personal leave before parting ways with the Kangaroos.
Two other AFLW coaches have led men’s programs before, but Darren Crocker (North Melbourne) and ex-Giants boss Alan McConnell (Fitzroy) both did so as caretakers.
Lured to the Suns by former coach Stuart Dew – the pair had worked together at Sydney – Shaw has spent the last four seasons in various development roles.
He had impressed in an interim capacity at the Kangaroos in 2019 but struggled with the demands of the role during the COVID-19-hit season, his side losing 14 of their final 15 games in a 3-14 campaign.
There was a natural hesitancy to return to a head coaching role when a four-year deal was put to him earlier this year.
“I’ve bloody loved it; this group is just an amazing group of players, so coachable,” Shaw said of the decision.
“They want to do the right thing, train as hard as they can, do the best they can.
“That makes me a better coach; it’s really refreshing for me.
“One of the best decisions I made, to get back into it.
“I couldn’t thank the club enough for the support. It’s really invigorated me to be a better coach again.”
He said an eventual return to the AFL coaching ranks had never entered his mind.
“Not at all; very happy where I am,” he said.
“I love coaching this group; haven’t dream about doing anything else.”
He replaces Cameron Joyce, who was axed after Gold Coast finished 17th last season.
The Suns will blood five debutantes against the Eagles and manage a long injury list.
“There’s a lot of new things; training, game plan, coaches, players,” Shaw said.
“It’s all pretty fresh. This is the beginning of our journey.”
AAP
