Robert Shaw as coach ???

[Peroossie]

Hi Crow fans. Being an old Fitzroy supporter as I am, I know how you & Hawks fans feel after today's big losses. Just look back to 1991.

The reason for my post tonight, is that I want to know what you all thought of Robert Shaw as a coach ? He took over as coach of the Lions in 1991. During his reign as coach, he had players of the calibre of Roos, Pert, Osborne, Lynch, Rendell, Armstrong, Broderick, Lyon, Gale, Blakey, Baldwin, Kappler, Wynd, Wheildon, Boyd, Caven, Paxman, Stephens. Despite this playing list, he couldn't take us to the finals. We should have made the finals in 92 & 93.

From all accounts Shaw was a bit of a Jekll & Hyde character. To hear how he spoke to his players was degrading & demoralising.

Shaw's excuse at Fitzroy was "lack of money, talent & resources".

I reckon he was the worst coach in history! He proved that he was a dud when he coached the Crows. They had everything. Players, money, resources. He couldn't coach a women's softball team!!! What are your opinions of Shaw ? Maybe he may want to coach the Crows again ???

 

[DaveW]

At the time I thought it was a strange decision to head-hunt the coach of one of the worst performing sides.

He did nothing in 1995 and 1996 to vindicate that gamble. They were were two of our worst ever seasons.

Robert Shaw is not exactly loved in Adelaide.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Great judge of talent but a crap coach.

 

[tribey]

Originally posted by DaveW
He did nothing in 1995 and 1996 to vindicate that gamble. They were were two of our worst ever seasons.

Except be at the helm when we drafted/recruited:

Peter Vardy
Darren Jarman
Andrew McLeod
Simon Goodwin
Kane Johnson
Tyson Edwards
Jason McCartney
Matthew Connell
Peter Caven
Kym Koster
Troy Bond

If you were being especially cruel you'd say the acquisition of all this talent which either contributed to Premierships, became valuable tradebait or is still playing today was just dumb luck.

If you were being especially kind you'd say Shaw's reign laid the foundations for our two Premierships in 1997 and 1998.

 

[DaveW]

Shaw did leave the list in an especially good shape when you consider that Blight immediately disposed of McDermott, McGuinness, Andrew Jarman and Greg Anderson. Add to that Liptak and Tregenza were virtually finished as well. Yet despite that, Blight took the list he inherited on to two immediate premierships.

Ultimately though, list management is not what a coach is judged on.

 

[Stiffy_18]

Originally posted by DaveW
Ultimately though, list management is not what a coach is judged on.

True but its a vital part of being a good coach.

In terms of recruiting and list managment Shaw was fantastic BUT as far as the actual coaching is concerned he was crap to say the least.

 

[tribey]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
In terms of recruiting and list managment Shaw was fantastic BUT as far as the actual coaching is concerned he was crap to say the least.

Would Blight have been able to coach us to a pair of flags had Shaun Rehn been injured? Because that's exactly what he was in 1995 and 1996 under Shaw.

All things considered - and the injury plague was massive in his final year - Shaw did better than what people make out.

 

[macca23]

Originally posted by Stiffy_18
True but its a vital part of being a good coach.

In terms of recruiting and list managment Shaw was fantastic BUT as far as the actual coaching is concerned he was crap to say the least.

Those closest to him said that he was actually very clever at coming up with innovative game plans, but would lose faith in himself and his plans by abandoning them half-way through the game, leaving the players not knowing whether they were Arthur or Martha!!

 

[Peroossie]

The problem with Shaw appeared to be his communication skills. One day he'd say hello to you. The next day he'd give you an evil look & ignore you. A few ex Fitzroy players have confirmed this. I think he thought you had to treat players like crap, to get the best out of them ala Barassi. Those days are well gone.