Australian Football

Few footballers have exemplified the Collingwood spirit better than Tony Shaw. Despite being far from the most naturally talented or athletic of players he approached the game with such consummate courage, energy and determination that any weaknesses tended to be obscured. 

Shaw joined the Magpies from Reservoir-Lakeside and made his VFL debut in 1977. His approach to the game made him well-loved by Collingwood fans, and although he struggled for a regular game initially, by the early 1980s he was a fixture in the league side and one of its most effective performers. He won a best and fairest award in 1984, and three years later was appointed club captain, a role he might have been born to occupy. Shaw's finest moment in football came when he led the 'Pies to a Grand Final trouncing of Essendon in 1990, winning the Norm Smith Medal after a dynamic, gutsy, all action performance that at times verged on the heroic. To cap things off, he won his second Copeland Trophy that same year.

Shaw's performances in later years were undermined to some extent by injury, but his mere presence on the field was often an inspiration to his teammates. He retired in 1994 after a club record 313 V/AFL games and 157 goals. He was later named on the interchange bench in the club's official 'Team of the Century'.

Appointed Collingwood coach in 1996, Shaw endured four fruitless years at the helm before giving way to Mick Malthouse.

Tony Shaw's father Reg Shaw was an accomplished VFA centreman during the 1940s and early 1950s, while brothers Ray and Neville were also useful players.

Author - John Devaney