Kiwi ace proves Shaw thing for Bulldogs with impressive debut

STAR recruit Alex Shaw works with explosives and he’s wasted no time introducing himself to the men’s Premier League hockey competition.

The New Zealander now works for a Tasmanian drill and blast business and there were fireworks on his debut appearance, with Shaw scoring a sensational goal to defeat defending champions Derwent 4-3.

Shaw played the last of his 87 international games for New Zealand in 2017, ending a career that encompassed the 2014 World Cup and Commonwealth Games.

The 30-year-old says he “jumped the ditch” and is now living in Tasmania with his fiancée Nicky, a doctor at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

“We came to Tassie twice last year, loved our time here, then Nicky got offered a oneyear contract, so we jumped at the opportunity to move down,” Shaw explained.

“I played a number of my international games with Hamish McGregor (current NWG goalkeeping coach), so he was my first port of call and they’re all genuine guys, so it made the decision to join the Bulldogs an easy one.”

A natural defender, Shaw took up position in midfield and looked composed in possession, before scoring an incredible solo goal to secure victory.

“I’m a defender through and through so any goal I manage to score will put a smile on my face,” Shaw said.

“It was great to contribute to the scoreboard, but it was definitely a team effort and that’s what’s going to get us there come finals so I’m happy to fit in where needed.”

After losing his club grand final in Sydney last year, similar to his adopted club, Shaw intends to go one better in 2020 while enjoying his time in Hobart. “I’m the first to admit I’m not as lean and fit as a few years ago but the Bulldogs have got me running!” he joked.

Shaw and his teammates return to action against OHA at 2:30pm this Saturday, with Canterbury and DiamondBacks opening the round at 7:45pm on Friday night.