In a historic move for Australian rules football, former North Melbourne men’s coach Rhyce Shaw has been appointed as the new head coach of the Gold Coast Suns’ AFLW team. The 43-year-old Shaw signed a four-year contract to lead the Suns’ women’s side, becoming the first individual to serve as the head coach of both an AFL and AFLW team.
Shaw brings extensive coaching experience to the role, having previously served as an assistant coach before taking the reins as caretaker coach of North Melbourne’s AFL squad in 2019 following the dismissal of Brad Scott. He was then promoted to the full-time head coaching position for the 2020 season.
Navigating Challenges at North Melbourne
During his tenure at North Melbourne, Shaw faced significant challenges, including guiding the team through a difficult rebuild while also navigating the unprecedented obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, he demonstrated strong leadership qualities and a commitment to player development.
However, after a demanding first full year as head coach, Shaw made the decision to step down from his position at the end of the 2020 season, prioritizing his personal well-being and the need for a fresh perspective for the club.
A New Chapter with the Gold Coast Suns
Now, Shaw embarks on a new chapter in his coaching career, taking the helm of the Gold Coast Suns’ AFLW program. He expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, stating:
“I feel honoured to be given the opportunity to coach this team and I’m excited by how far I believe we can develop and what we can achieve for the Gold Coast. I’m a coach at heart and I am very passionate about this football club and making our people and players better.”
– Rhyce Shaw
Shaw’s appointment comes as a strategic move for the Suns, who finished 17th in the AFLW standings last season under the guidance of Cameron Joyce. Gold Coast chief executive Mark Evans expressed confidence in Shaw’s ability to elevate the team to new heights:
“We are firm in our ambition to win AFLW Premierships and are confident Rhyce is the coach who can help us take the next steps to deliver on our mission as a football club.”
– Mark Evans, Gold Coast Suns CEO
Trailblazing a Path in AFL and AFLW Coaching
While Shaw is the first to hold head coaching positions in both the AFL and AFLW, he is not the only coach to have experience in both leagues. Darren Crocker, who led the North Melbourne Kangaroos to their inaugural AFLW premiership in 2022, and Alan McConnell, the former GWS Giants AFLW coach, both had stints as caretaker coaches for AFL sides earlier in their careers.
However, Shaw’s appointment marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first individual to secure permanent head coaching roles in both the men’s and women’s top-tier competitions. This groundbreaking move not only highlights Shaw’s coaching acumen but also underscores the increasing prominence and professionalization of women’s football in Australia.
The Road Ahead for Shaw and the Suns
As Shaw prepares to take the reins of the Gold Coast Suns’ AFLW team, he will undoubtedly draw upon his wealth of coaching experience and the lessons learned during his time at North Melbourne. With a four-year contract in place, he has the opportunity to implement a long-term vision for the club and develop a strong culture centered around player growth and success.
The Suns’ AFLW program has shown promise in recent years, with talented players like Jamie Stanton, Lauren Ahrens, and Kalinda Howarth emerging as key contributors. Under Shaw’s guidance, the team will look to build upon this foundation and establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.
As the AFLW continues to grow and evolve, the appointment of Rhyce Shaw as the Gold Coast Suns’ head coach serves as a testament to the increasing opportunities for coaches to make their mark in both the men’s and women’s games. With his experience, leadership skills, and passion for player development, Shaw is well-positioned to guide the Suns towards a successful future and leave a lasting impact on the AFLW landscape.
