Senior coach John Longmire believes bringing in a mix of new and different perspectives has brought about a positive balance to the coaching panel.
The Swans’ coaching structure went through a reshuffle in October headlined by Brett Kirk’s return from Western Australia.
The former captain’s appointment as forwards coach saw predecessor Henry Playfair switch ends to the backline while defensive coach of several years John Blakey took up the newly created Director of Coaching role.
Under Blakey - “the most experienced coach in our ranks,” Longmire added – the recently retired Rhyce Shaw joined as a development coach.
Following his three-year stint at Fremantle, working under experienced coach Ross Lyon, Kirk offers a fresh perspective despite the 39-year-old playing 241 games over a 12-year career in the red and white.
“It’s terrific to be able to get Brett’s influence, especially coming from a great club like Fremantle,” Longmire said.
“Brett coached against us in some big games and learned from a very experienced coach while over in the west so to gain someone with a different view on things is a positive.”
“It’s always positive to be able to challenge our coaches in different areas. For Brett, who mainly played through the midfield, he offers a different angle in that regard too.”
Kirk’s “outsider’s perspective” blends well with what Shaw adds – an insider’s view – having just retired from the game last season.
The beauty about Shaw is, Longmire added, the former defender held a position within the leadership group during his entire time with the Swans which taught him coach-like attributes and developed him into a leader of men very early on.
“His ability to forge relationships with both the youngest members of the team and the oldest members of the team was a strength as a player,” Longmire added.
“It has certainly helped him adapt to this role very quickly and with ease.”
Shaw will manage the NEAFL side alongside fellow development coach Nick Davis, while Stuart Dew and Josh Francou are still overlooking the midfield.
