After 10 years in Sydney, Swans assistant coach Rhyce Shaw will be returning home to Victoria for family reasons.

Shaw moved to Sydney from Collingwood for season 2009 and made an immediate impact in red and white.

A member of Sydney’s 2012 premiership team, Shaw played 143 games for the Swans for a combined total of 237 career matches. 

After retiring in 2015, Shaw moved into a coaching role, initially as the Swans’ NEAFL coach before becoming an assistant coach this season.

Swans Head of Football Tom Harley thanked Shaw for his contribution and wished him and his family all the best with the move back home.

“From the moment Rhyce arrived at the Club, he made an immediate and long-lasting impact,” Harley said.

“He was the ultimate teammate on and off the field, a leader of our backline, and a premiership player before making a seamless transition into coaching.

“On behalf of everyone at the Swans, we’d like to thank Rhyce for his valuable contribution and wish him, Lia, Freddie and Louis all the best with the move home to Melbourne.”

Shaw says it’s with mixed emotions he returns home to Melbourne.

“It’s bittersweet to be farewelling the footy club that‘s given me everything – from a second chance at footy, to a premiership, to the opportunity to learn and grow alongside some of the best mentors in the league,” Shaw said.

“Ultimately, however, after 10 years away from home, my desire to be closer to family has become too great. 

“I‘m deeply grateful to the Sydney Swans players, coaches and staff for all the fantastic memories we have shared and all the support they’ve provided throughout my career – and I now look forward to a new chapter in Melbourne.”