Prominent coaches coming to town
• Robert Shaw (centre) with former premiership players and coaches Greg Lethborg and Steve Nichols.
February 10, 2021
Robert Shaw and Tim Coyle, two of Tasmania's most successful coaches, are the special guests at a function at the Scottsdale Football Club on Saturday March 20th.
Shaw made his mark at AFL level, while Coyle has been the most successful cricket coach in Tasmania.
He coached the Tigers to three Sheffield Shield titles and two one-day cup victories
Coyle spent a total of 21 years with Cricket Tasmania including a decade coaching in Launceston plus eight years in charge of the Tigers.
He later spent five years as an assistant to the Australian women's team, several tours as fielding coach to the men, and taking Melbourne Renegades to consecutive WBBL finals.
Coyle also played NTFA football with Launceston so is returning to familiar surroundings.
Robert Shaw was recruited by Essendon from Sandy Bay.
He played 51 games with the Bombers between 1974 and 1981 in an injury ravaged career which resulted in nine major operations.
He returned to Tasmania coaching Clarence to a premiership in 1984 before being lured back to Essendon by his former mentor Kevin Sheedy as assistant coach.
Shaw then coached Fitzroy from 1991-94, and Adelaide in 1995-96. He returned to Essendon as assistant coach from 1999-2005.
He coached Tasmania from 1988-1993, which included the famous victory over Victoria in 1990.
Shaw lives in Melbourne and last year during COVID-19 he commenced a private Facebook forum for Tasmanian footballers and officials past and present, and their families.
The site became immensely popular and has attracted more than 3,500 followers who have contributed stories about football in the State whether from the big leagues or the country competitions which no longer exist.
While the two Tasmanians chose different sporting paths they share a close connection with test captain Tim Paine.
It was Coyle who gave Paine his first opportunity to play for Tasmania, while Robert Shaw is Paine's uncle.
The March 20th function is being organised by the club's past players and officials group.
"We are putting this on for anyone (male and female) who has had any association with the Scottsdale Football Club whether as a player, volunteer or supporter," spokesman Rod Hill said.
"In particular we are keen to see those people who have had a connection with the club since 2000."
"Under the Covid restrictions we are limited to 200 inside but an outside marquee will cater for any overflow.
"There will be plenty of food platters available, and we're hoping that people will make it a great 'Back to Scottsdale' day," Hill said.
The function will commence at 3.00pm with the two guests due to speak at 5.30pm.
The cost is $50 per person which includes food, and a drink. Bookings can be made online at www.trybooking.com/BOJHF
The group has set up a Facebook site with information about the day.