Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has praised the competitiveness of North Melbourne and Rhyce Shaw’s coaching. 

“He’s got them playing really competitive footy,” Longmire told the media on Thursday. 

“They’re fierce, and we saw what they were able to do with the Giants last week. They’ll compete the entire game.

“They’re playing with fierce pressure, and it’s a real credit to him to be able to get them playing that way for four quarters.” 

Shaw, and fellow former Swans assistant and now Gold Coast suns coach Stuart Dew have impressed in 2020, which has pleased Longmire. 

“It’s great to see these guys doing the same as what you’re doing, and you hope they go well in their careers, except when they play you.” 

Having played and coached under Longmire, he and Shaw have a close relationship. 

But all of that goes out the window when they go head-to-head. 

“He gets his game face on,” Longmire said 

“We caught up a couple of times during the stand down, but it doesn’t matter how close you are to someone, and I’m certainly close to Shawry, once you start to compete against each other, all bets are off till after the game.”

Longmire singled out Roos’ ruckman Todd Goldstein’s performance against the GWS Giants last weekend, and suggested Callum Sinclair will be in for a big test. 

“It’s a big challenge,” he said. 

“He’s (Goldstein) one of the best ruckmen over the last 10-15 years and he looks like he’s getting better.

“He’s got a good relationship with his midfielders, and he knows how to find them at ground level. 

“He’s an elite ruckman and it’s a challenge for Cal (Sinclair).”