His team mightn’t have got the result in Friday night’s Marsh Series opener, but Rhyce Shaw can’t help but be excited by some of North’s new faces.
The Roos had four players lining up for their first games in the royal blue and white, and all showed plenty to suggest they’ll play many more.
Former Lion Josh Walker was a standout in defence.
“He’s come in and done really well,” Shaw said after the match.
“He’s fit into our group superbly, and he’s someone that really fights hard, defends really well and he’s a pretty reliable bloke. I thought he played pretty well tonight.”
Aiden Bonar had an impact through the middle, with 15 disposals, while small-forward Jack Mahony showed off his smarts in attack.
Big man Tristan Xerri booted an equal team-high two goals, and provided plenty of support for Todd Goldstein in the ruck.
Shaw said the opportunity to blood some emerging talent early in the year would hold North in good stead down the track.
“We had a few of our big names out, but with that comes opportunity too,” he said.
“We’ve got some really good kids that are getting exposed to some really good teams.
“The Western Bulldogs were up and about and our guys got a chance to play against a team who’d played finals and been playing finals for the last couple of years.
“It’s a good lesson for us, we’ll take some good learnings out of it and look to set up our season again.
“It’s not hard to coach, because it’s really pleasing to see these guys out there and getting that experience straight away.”
Shaw said he was “comfortable” with the progress of some of the Roos’ missing stars, with Ben Brown (calf), Robbie Tarrant (foot), Jack Ziebell (calf) and Jared Polec (foot) among those sidelined.
“I couldn’t say I’m fully confident (of them being ready for Round 1), but I’m really comfortable with where they sit at the moment. I saw a couple of them training today which was really pleasing and we’ll see how that pans out,” he added.
North takes on Melbourne in a practice match next Friday at Arden Street, before playing Sydney in its final Marsh Series game on Monday, March 9 in Tasmania.
