Heath Shaw is a very good footballer who is vital to the success of the Collingwood Magpies. But is he a footballer with the right leadership credentials?
Last week saw Melbourne, Collingwood and North Melbourne announced their leadership groups with each causing intrigue.
North Melbourne replaced stalwart Brent Harvey with the engine of the Kangaroos midfield, Andrew Swallow. This is a good move as it gives Harvey time to enjoy the twilight of his career while giving the captaincy to someone who embodies the Roos spirit.
Melbourne went back to the future after it dumped Brad Green for the combination of Jack Trengove and Jack Grimes (Trengove is the youngest captain in AFL/VFL history).
But the most intrigue came from Collingwood and the formation of its leadership group. While Nick Maxwell remains captain, the inclusion of Shaw is one that has raised eyebrows.
There is no denying that based on his on-field performances, Shaw is an example for young footballers. But his record off the field is far from exemplary.
In 2008, he and Alan Didak lied about the events of a car crash which resulted in him being suspended and nearly sacked by Collingwood.
Last year, he was suspended for eight matches and fined $20,000 for betting on teammate Maxwell to kick the first goal.
While I understand players are human, Shaw’s two indirections are essentially the foundations of sporting cardinal sins.
Shaw, lucky to still be at Collingwood after the car crash then betting scandal, now has a place in the leadership group.
If I was a Collingwood player, I would have serious doubts in his ability to be role model to teammates. How can someone who has committed grievous wrongs, lead the players by example?
Players at other clubs have committed lesser sins and been dropped from leadership group.
Shaw, however, seems to be given a lenient penance despite betraying the trust of Collingwood twice.
In Shaw’s defence, players who have committed similar offences have gone on to command leadership positions.
Simon Goodwin was the Crows captain when he got caught betting on AFL games a few years ago and despite being fined, he kept the captaincy.
Also, other industries are full of constant stories of individuals who despite committing serious offences in their professions rebound to head other corporations.
But does this make it right?
No longer are club leaders picked based just on the players and coaches whims. Sponsorship and PR are now also influential in any clubs decision on who should be the face of the values of a club.
Do Collingwood fans and sponsors feel easy about someone like Shaw, being placed in a position as the face of the club?
Collingwood have to hope that nothing untoward happens on the part of Shaw.
He will be under increased scrutiny as both players and coaches have invested a lot of faith and influential equity in his leadership credentials.
To rehash an old cliché, only time will tell.
AndyMack
Guest
Original there Kuruki. Lets just call Collingwood feral misfits. Brilliantly researched and witty response.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
if only you won more premierships...
Danielle
Roar Rookie
Kuruki- Never been called feral to my face, or online until they find out i am a Magpie. saying Collingwood supporters overall are feral is immature, unjust, and judgmental but you know what? - we feed off the hate haters ;) #itsusagainstthem
Richard
Roar Guru
You've obviously overdosed on your Silly Pills.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Yes Heath Shaw is the right leader for Collingwood. Would he be the right leader for any other team? NO. But since Collingwood are a bunch of feral misfits. Heath Shaw is exactly what they hope their young guy's to aspire to. Cmon boy's lets head down to the pub and work on our speed training, then hit up the TAB and put a few bet's down on Collingwood taking a massive slide this season.
Jester
Guest
Maybe it's in the hope that he will rise to the occasion? But yes only time will tell, on a side note swallow is a great appointment, quality footballer and one of the absolute nicest guys you will ever meet, also obviously dedicated to the Roos after turning down big money offers from GWS -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Danielle
Roar Rookie
Some opposition supporters i have spoken to seem to think this was a bad decision, but i believe its clever. Not only does it show Heath that after his mistakes he has won back the respect of his team mates, but it also proves a title which hopefully will make him think again before making any other mistake.
Paul
Guest
You've ignored the fact that the Collingwood players voted Shaw into the leadership group. If they believe he will be an effective leader, odds are good that he will be.
Richard
Roar Guru
I think Heath Shaw's selection is a great move by CFC. He has undoubted leadership on the field and he clearly has the respect of the players, who have voted him in. Sure he has had past indiscretions, serious indiscretions. But he appears to have shown genuine contrition, and this recognition of his talent and ability and the willingness to give Heath the opportunity to develop as a person, notwithstanding those indiscretions, is a great testimony to the leadership at Collingwood. To grow champions you have to give them the opportunity to succeed, which carries with it the risk of failure. Good move Collingwood. Yet another example of the maturity in management and leadership at the Club.
Lucan
Of the current crop of footballers, he stood out to me as a potential coach. The betting incident changed my mind completely. I thought the drink driving might've just been a one-off blip, but it seems off field he has some serious judgement issues. Is a shame, as he appears to have a good football brain.
anthcol
Roar Pro
Heath Shaw is probably Collingwood's best on field leader bar Nick Maxwell. His outlandish character means he is often the most vocal person on the field. He is looked up to by his teammates and has an infectious nature which all the young players are attracted to. He has matured since his controversial incident with Didak and brother Rhyce. The betting scandal was a mistake, others have made the same im sure. He is definitely the right leader for Collingwood.