Look out on Arden Street during training, or in the gym, or the players’ lounge and there’s a common sight; Rhyce Shaw.

The North coach is a constant presence around his team, according to Jamie Macmillan.

“He’s very hands on with everything he does,” Macmillan told RSN.

“He’s in the gym, he’ll chat with physios. He’s very present.

“With the type of person he is, it’s rubbing off on the whole place, and people are able to come out of their skin a bit more.

“He’s really big on guys being themselves and having fun.

“But that’s not to say he can’t have the hard conversations, because I’ve been on the end of a couple of them.”

Macmillan said Shaw had a strong focus on improving his team on the training track. 

“We don’t spend a heap of time in the classroom,” he said. 

“We probably spend more time out on the track, walking things through, and it’s a bit more hands on.

“You’re naturally going to watch a lot of vision, but I think the guys prefer being outside to in a chair.”

With the Marsh Community Series kicking off for the Roos on Friday, Macmillan has earmarked a fellow defender as one to watch.

“Luke McDonald is one that has impressed me (in pre-season),” he added. 

“He had a horrible injury last year but has really put his head down and worked hard, and he has matured.

“He’s played really well in the last couple of practice matches we’ve had.”