Rhyce Shaw - Mr Versatility

[Lucky Knickers]

I have to fess up to not really wanting to recruit Rhyce Shaw.
Even though I posted positively (in the belief that the football department do know what they are doing) I had my doubts that he was going to fit into the team and environment here in Sydney.
Even when he came second in the B&F I kept waiting for it all to go pear shaped and his black and white heart to emerge, hating that he loved waving his arms and giving everyone around him a gobful (even though it might have been deserved). I thought someone with so much black and white history would be unable to embrace another club.
Well I stand before you with my red and white cap in hand and humbly admit I was wrong.
For someone who has had a dirty dog of a year by 2009 standards, he has shown the most wonderful versatility. From his cameos in the forward line against the Roos and Blues to the immense shutdown roles he has played against Hawks, Freo and Dogs, he has proved what a talented and multi-skilled team-oriented player he is. Even when beaten and bowed he fights on. I always notice that he's giving it his all at the final siren even when all hope is gone. When the role of running back that made him so successful here and rejuvenated him was no longer available this year with Tadhg back and Eski in form, he's done whatever he's asked, done it well and been a significant cog in turning our performances around.
I'll be looking forward to pulling one out of the hat and sticking it up the Pies in the finals.
Great job Rhyce.

[magic.merkin]

Amen

[Primmy]

Well said Lucky. I wasn't too sure myself when they took him on, but after looking into his incredible eyes at the last B&F, I realised they were right and I was wrong. (he really has beautiful eyes). That and the fact that he has had a dog of a year, but he has not given up on himself, held himself together and played with dignity, and versatility, and has played himself into the season. He's a good lad.

[Jewels]

I have to fess up to not really wanting to recruit Rhyce Shaw.
Even though I posted positively (in the belief that the football department do know what they are doing) I had my doubts that he was going to fit into the team and environment here in Sydney.
Even when he came second in the B&F I kept waiting for it all to go pear shaped and his black and white heart to emerge, hating that he loved waving his arms and giving everyone around him a gobful (even though it might have been deserved). I thought someone with so much black and white history would be unable to embrace another club.
Well I stand before you with my red and white cap in hand and humbly admit I was wrong.
For someone who has had the a dirty dog of a year by 2009 standards, he has shown the most wonderful versatility. From his cameos in the forward line against the Roos and Blues to the immense shutdown roles he has played against Hawks, Freo and Dogs, he has proved what a talented and multi-skilled team-oriented player he is. Even when beaten and bowed he fights on. I always notice that he's giving it his all at the final siren even when all hope is gone. When the role of running back that made him so successful here and rejuvenated him was no longer available this year with Tadhg back and Eski in form, he's done whatever he's asked, done it well and been a significant cog in turning our performances around.
I'll be looking forward to pulling one out of the hat and sticking it up the Pies in the finals.
Great job Rhyce.

Second all this, Lucky.

[Plugger46]

Great thread, couldn't agree more.

[BSA5]

He has had a very disappointing year this year, but he has always been doing the job of a best 22 player at the very least (while showing flashes of last year's form at other times). Calls for him to be dropped this year have been ridiculous (although there was a point where he looked like he may benefit from a week in the 2s to regain some confidence, he was never not a best 22 player).

He's one of the hardest workers at the club, and yes, very, very versatile.

[dimelb]

Well said LK. It is a great asset to have a player as versatile, as quick and as determined as Rhyce. If it takes adversity to bring out character, then he has made the most opportunity where he could. A happy outcome for all concerned.

[Ratna]

Just read another similar thread on Ted and Bevo, I wasn't going to reply but when I read this I couldn't resist. Sorry to mix threads but IMO opinion these three have a few things in common this year. They are prepared to play whatever role they are assigned and give it their best week in week out. These guys have copped a lot of criticism this year and some may be deserved sometimes. In a year of transition I find it hard to recognise our best 22 (fully fit) as IMO it has changed throughout the year, two of these guys may not be in it. It is, however, easy to recognise the contribution they make to the club.

[Melbourne_Blood]

Perhaps the fact these players realise there not getting any younger and theres a whole bunch of reserves players waiting to take thier spots has spurred them to play selfless, team oriented footy. I;ve been pretty hard on all these three, but the most impressive for me has been Ted the last few weeks. He is backing himself and running through the corridor, taking his marks and playing 100 times better than when he first came back into the side. It will be interesting to see who makes when LRT is fit. Bevo has also lifted massively which is good to see. Obviously Shaw'ys run with role have been good too.

[GoSouth33]

I think we are the champion recyclers. Perhaps being a one team town in NRL territory has advantages in bringing players closer together? We've got a strong culture, good management and adminstration and facilities, a great coach. You only had to be there on Sat night to see how much love was in the air.
The dynamics will change when Roosy and Kirky go so lets hope its more than them. Let's hope it's the whole system that glues all the parts together.
It can't just be luck.

[Claret]

The job he did on Gia on Saturday night was superb - expect some high B&F votes on that performance. I have Gia in my Dream Team and he has been averaging 120+ for the last 3 weeks or so and had a total of zero points to quarter time!

Even in the last quarter when the game was as good as over Rhyce was most upset when Gia had a couple of possies in a short space of time (one from a free).

Just about his best game for the year.

[AnnieH]

Beautiful Lucky.

.... so long as he remembers to bounce.

I think when I heard we were recruiting him I said at least we know he can run.

I'll say it again ... 11 out of 10 for our recruiters.

[707]

Agree whole heartedly, Rhyce has been a most important player in our revival of recent weeks. I'm certain the coaching staff, as we are, are thrilled with his efforts.