Shaw departs: Roos chairman speaks to Sportsday
North Melbourne and senior coach Rhyce Shaw have come to a mutual agreement to part ways effective immediately.
Chairman of the Kangaroos, Ben Buckley, told Sportsday that the club has “huge admiration, respect and great love for Rhyce”.
“We will be there to support him for the future,” he said.
“He has been a very special person to our footy club for the last couple of years he has been involved.”
Mr Buckley said the COVID-19 period had been challenging and the decision was in the best interest of the club.
“We believe the decision will be right in the long run,” he said.
“I’m confident we will put a selection panel in place … that will ultimately select the best available coach.”
Press PLAY for the whole interview with Ben Buckley
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Rhyce Shaw released a statement earlier today expressing his gratitude to the Kangaroos.
“I’m immensely grateful to the North Melbourne Football Club for the opportunity it afforded me as senior coach, and want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the football department and club staff, as well as North’s incredible members and supporters, who together, endured an extraordinarily challenging season,” he said in the statement.
“Your contribution, commitment and dedication to this club was enormous, and I am deeply grateful.
“To the players – I will forever cherish the relationships we built and the stories we shared, and I’m grateful for the courage and belief you demonstrated along the journey.
“I’d also like to extend my thanks to members of the AFL media for the care and respect they’ve shown during this time.
“Despite the challenges of the past year, my passion for football remains. The experiences I’ve had throughout my career developing young footballers to reach their potential has given me the greatest satisfaction and pride, and I hope to have the opportunity to contribute to this great game again in the future.
“For now, however, my focus is on taking time out, and I would ask that my privacy, and that of my family, continue to be respected at this time.”