North Melbourne president Ben Buckley has confirmed that head coach Rhyce Shaw has taken time away from the club
Shaw led the Kangaroos to three wins in his first full season at the helm, but his return before the 2021 season remains uncertain
The 39-year-old has been granted extended leave and there is no timetable for a decision on his future
« We have been keenly aware of the speculation regarding our head coach, but were unable to say anything as we respect the wishes of Rhyce and his family, » Buckley wrote in a letter to members friday
« Rhyce asked for time and space away from football and we were very supportive during that time »
Shaw opened up about the challenges of the coronavirus-disrupted season ahead of North’s final game of the year, paying tribute to his family
« It was a really tough trip I learned a lot about myself, what to do and how to approach certain situations, » he said last month
« (The season) has been a bummer, and it’s not what I envisioned at the start of the year It’s been tough for everyone It’s been tough for my family
« My wife Leah has done a fantastic job supporting our two boys during this time and raising their lives to come and support me This is really amazing »
North started the offseason by informing 11 players and six coaches that they would be sacked, while star striker Ben Brown and veteran midfielder Shaun Higgins appear set to leave during the trade period
« There is no way we can afford to sweep what has been a year below our standards, » Buckley said
« Although we know our team was limited by an injury which compromised our ability to field our best team, our performance was not at the level we expected
“As a result, and as we do at the end of each year, we are reviewing the structure of our football department, roster management, the coaching panel, high performance and medical areas and programs in the goal of improving the table
« There have been changes, and there will be more, but we won’t apologize for trying to improve this club »
The club have also been linked with coach Paul Roos, winner of the first prime minister’s post, who could take on a number of roles in the coaching and football departments
« I am delighted that John Blakey will return to his spiritual home for next season and beyond as head assistant coach, » Buckley said
The president also confirmed that the Kangaroos will make a « small » profit this year despite the significant financial challenges of the shorter season
The club expect to be released from their latest debt of $ 400,000 at the end of next year, agreeing to a delay in expanding their Arden St base in part to accommodate the AFLW program
North Melbourne Football Club, Rhyce Shaw, Australian Football, Sydney Swans, Ben Buckley, Brisbane Lions
World News – AU – Rhyce Shaw’s Future as a Coach AFL is uncertain as kangaroos grant aid leave
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
