Shaw looks a shoo-in

Interviews go on, but Roos’ choice seems clear

NORTH Melbourne’s board met last night with a key agenda item being its coaching search as Rhyce Shaw’s appointment grows closer.

Interim coach Shaw jumped one hurdle with a successful formal interview with the coaching sub-committee late on Monday afternoon.

The Roos remain adamant they will interview other candidates formally, having already sounded out prospective applicants.

AFL Coaches’ Association chief executive Mark Brayshaw said yesterday he had already advised at least one prospect he should commit to the process despite Shaw’s strong position.

Shaw is certain to win the job, and the club is aware of the challenges of interviewing applicants who know they will not win the role.

No decision was expected at the board meeting given the continuing process, but the Roos will most likely appoint Shaw before the end of the home-and-away season.

News Corp reported last month player power was expected to see Shaw win the job given his brilliant on-the-job performance.

Brayshaw said yesterday he had advised rival assistant coaches they should go for the job even if they believed they were a stalking horse for Shaw’s appointment.

“I have already advised one anonymous coach when he asked me that very question and my view is that there is nothing wrong with it at all. Ken Hinkley and Leon Cameron applied for several jobs and didn’t get them. You are never going to get one unless you put your hand up,” he said.

“What you must do is ask for comprehensive feedback if you miss out.

“You are also entitled to be sceptical about North Melbourne and make sure the club isn’t wasting their time, so as long as they get robust feedback it is very helpful to them in the long run.”

Under Shaw the Roos have won four of the past six games. There was also a five-point loss to Essendon and last week’s harrowing loss to the Lions where a key decision went against North Melbourne.

Shaw’s late afternoon interview on Monday with the Roos selection panel saw him perform strongly as his tactical acumen and strong relationship win over the club.