Robert Shaw (17) (1955–)

Shaw has had a long career in football which includes playing for Essendon from 1974-1981, and later coaching Fitzroy and then Adelaide in the AFL. He grew up in Tasmania where he also played and coached. This book comprises 23 chapters and is part autobiography and part reflection on a very wide range of topics, and part conversations with a range of football elders at the elite and the grassroots levels. One of the more interesting works by a football insider at the elite level.

This chapter is mainly a commentary on the careers of Michael Long, Maurice Rioli and Norm McDonald. There are also some observations by Shaw on some of the issues which have affected the lives of Aboriginal footballers, for example the ‘stolen generations’.

On pages 250-262 of this book there is a reflection on the career of prominent football journalist Caroline Wilson. For many years Wilson was the chief football writer for the Age newspaper and a prominent commentator in the broader football media over many years.