North Melbourne should give interim coach Rhyce Shaw the chance to be the next coach of the club.
Shaw has so far proved his coaching credentials since taking over in Round 11 of this season with four wins from five matches, with their only defeat coming against the GWS Giants.
The four victories have come by an average of six goals – 37 points over Richmond, 27 points over the Gold Coast, 44 points over Collingwood and 39 points over St Kilda.
Also, Shaw has coached his team to be ferocious and hard-hitting at the contest.
Shaw has coached his team to be a highly defensive team, keeping opposition teams to an average score of 61 points.
The North Melbourne players have shown in the way they play that they want Shaw to be the man.
(Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Many players have been playing in career-best form including Jy Simpkin, who has had 30-plus disposals in two matches, as well as North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell, who has added goals to his repertoire of skills averaging 2.5 majors from the last two matches, and Luke McDonald, who has regained his confidence in defence.
Three weeks ago, Jack Ziebell told Fox Sports News that Shaw does have what it takes to be the next senior coach of North Melbourne.
“The first three weeks he’s had as a senior coach have been outstanding and what he’s produced, and what he’s got our players to go and do and buy into in a short period of time has been awesome to watch,” he said on Fox Sports News.
“The next nine or ten weeks is going to be massive for Shawy, and we’re excited for him to be in charge of us for that period, and what will be after that.
“I’m sure Shawy will make a great senior coach, whether that’s at North or somewhere in the future.”
In Round 14, North Melbourne had their best defensive game, keeping the second-placed Collingwood to just 37 points for the game – their lowest score since 1995.
Collingwood were outclassed and outplayed by North Melbourne and Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley shared his thoughts after the humiliating loss to The Age.
“We are bloody embarrassed with the way we played. That was as bad as it gets,” he said.
“That is as big a shellacking in general play, not so much on the scoreboard, but it’s as big a shellacking in general play that you will see in the game of footy.
“The energy was OK early but it definitely faded, the white flag went up for us. We look at it and all the things that we value in the way that we have gone about our footy we didn’t see today at all and it’s inexplicable to be honest.”
North Melbourne’s players are behind Shaw and club supporters have shouted their praise with many supporters saying the Shinboner spirit is back at the club, as the boys are playing hard and uncompromising football.
The question is if North Melbourne’s strong form continues under Shaw, then surely the club will not need to look elsewhere with the right man already at the helm.
Boo
Guest
Not half as much if North somehow make it through to the GF against his brother s Geelong.
WCE
Roar Rookie
gee Scott must be embarrassed
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
The way North are playing he may well get them into the second week of the finals and by then the horse has bolted.
Footy Man
Guest
North can play finals, the growth from Larkey, Simpkin, Zurhaar, Davies-Uniacke has been phenomenal Their foward line now makes sense and has genuine chemistry and isn't as over reliant on Brown
13th Man
Guest
If North doesn't take him I would be keen on him at Freo. Seems to have brought some fresh new thinking in at North, seems likeable and relatable to the players and let's them play on instinct. Completely opposite from the completely stale Ross Lyon.
User
Roar Rookie
One thing I don’t understand with Leigh Matthew etc saying he’s too young is fact Simmo and bevo and dimma and bucks and Cameron etc all would’ve been a similar age and similar experience base as Shaw is now when they got their opportunity and all have been successful in their role.
User
Roar Rookie
Take your time north, yes Shaw could be what Roos was to Sydney but he could also be what primus was to port. Winning is an opiate that sometimes leads to poor decision making for boards.
Boo
Guest
As I suggested win a final and he keeps the job.Being a North supporter over the last dozen or so years must be like riding a roller -coaster some of there final performances have been second rate.They have tried unsuccesfully to lure star quality to Arden street so IMO the right coach could galvanise the entire club.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Doesn't matter who coaches them as long as they win. I like Shaw's mildly amused demeanour. He seems to have made a positive impression on the media. Clarkson wasn't a great player and didn't play in a grand final. Shaw played in a premiership loss and a win. One up on Longmire there. I think he's more in tune with the modern player and game.
BurningMad
Roar Rookie
You know what else keeps a brand up in lights? Winning. If Shaw can keep winning he deserves the job. It's not as simple as someone being a better coach if they were a better player, or teams would simply hire the best player to coach, end of discussion. If Shaw is getting this team to play well, why shouldn't he continue?
Marnie Cohen
Expert
Don’t see the point in rushing into any decision. I’m really enjoying what Shaw has done with the side both on and off field – playing a hard and unforgiving brand of football and there is a great buzz and feel about the club generally speaking.. everyone seems to be really enjoying themselves. But IMO Shaw still needs the final seven games to prove he is the right fit for the next coach – why make the decision this second and have it backfire. Love what we’ve seen from the last five weeks but there’s still a way to go.
Grints
Roar Rookie
Reminds me a bit of Sydney all those years ago when Terrh Wallace apparently had the job before they went with the fill in - who won them a flag.
Boo
Guest
North need a big name coach to keep there brand up in lights.If Shaw can win a final maybe he gets the job but otherwise don't think so.Can't compare him to Roos as Shaw wasn't half the player.
Roger of Sydney
Guest
Shaw is good, Scott obviously never go the best out of what is a talented grow, Shaw is. Horse wont go and not sure if he is the right bloke. Coaches that have a strict game plan that must be followed dont always get the best. Shaw learned his trade at the Swans anyway so you still get 50% horse, ha
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Shaw all the way. Certainly the player and supporter favourite. Roosy, one time caretaker to premiership coach, is on board, and he oughta know. Eventually it will be a fait accompli. I'm intrigued that Carlton are Adam Ant that Teague is not experienced enough. Like their experienced coaches have done so well this century?
BurningMad
Roar Rookie
Well, the rumour mill has been in overdrive about Horse to North.
Paul Drake
Guest
Why would you presume he's not getting the chance.
RooBoy18
Roar Rookie
Time for North to tell Horse “Don’t call us, we’ll call you”