Defender Sam Shaw could add to Adelaide’s unpredictable attack in the second half of the season.
Shaw established himself as a key pillar in the Crows defence last year, but is yet to make an appearance at AFL level in 2013 because of injury.
The athletic 22-year-old missed a chunk of the pre-season with knee tendonitis and suffered another setback when he tore his hamstring tendon at training in April. He was placed on the Club’s long-term injury list, but joined in main training for the first time on Wednesday and hopes to play for Glenelg within a fortnight.
Andy Otten has stepped up in Shaw’s absence, holding down the third-tall position in defence and displaying career-best form. Otten and Shaw battled for the same spot last season, and have never played in the same side together. But that could change if Shaw’s able to force his way back into the team after the bye.
Coach Brenton Sanderson said both Shaw and Otten had the capacity to play in attack.
“Sam’s been spending a bit of time with ‘Bicks’ (forward line coach Mark Bickley). He played his best footy for us last year as a defender, but with Andy Otten, Daniel Talia and Ben Rutten all in good form, Shawy might be an option for us up forward,” Sanderson said.
“The other option is Andy Otten going forward. He’s showed a fair bit up there this year, kicking three against Carlton at Etihad a month ago. One of the positives of our side is that we’re pretty versatile and have guys who can play both ends.
“We really rate Shawy. He could be a ‘recruit’ that comes into the team in the second half of the year and is a really handy player for us.”
Shaw is not a complete stranger to the forward line.
The fourth-year Crow started his football career at half-back in Under-10s because “no one wanted to play there”, but played a number of games in attack during his draft year of 2009.
At 193cm, Shaw is taller than Taylor Walker. He’s also one of the quickest players at West Lakes over 20m and a left-footer.
“I feel like I can play a number of different roles,” Shaw said.
“Andy has been playing really well. He’s back to where he was when he finished second in the Rising Star early in his career (09). He’s pretty much cemented his spot back there, so it’s going to be hard for me to find a position.
“When I got drafted, I prided myself on my versatility. I’ve started to do a little bit of work with the forwards.
“Even if it doesn’t happen this year, maybe, in the longer-term I could be thrown around in different positions.”
Shaw was trialled as a forward against Greater Western Sydney in Round 16 last season. He took a few nice marks inside 50m, but only managed one behind from several scoring shots. He might’ve had an excuse, though. Scans the following day revealed he’d developed bleeding behind his eye after a knock early in the game and he missed the next two weeks as a result.
Shaw still rues his missed opportunities in front of goal, which cost him a bet with fellow defender and good mate, Daniel Talia. Shaw and Talia have known each other for a number of years, having both represented Victoria Metro at the Under-18 Championships in ’09. Coincidentally, rookie Kyle Hartigan, who joined Adelaide in December, was also a member of the Vic Metro back six that year.
“Talz and I had a bit of a wager last year to see who could kick the first goal. He got one towards the end of the season and I still haven’t kicked one,” Shaw said.
“We both missed shots against GWS that day. I think I actually missed three, so I should’ve put him on ice then. Talz kicked a long bomb against Richmond at AAMI Stadium a month or so later and took the honours.”
Talia has already doubled his goalkicking output of last season, kicking two goals in two games between rounds seven-eight. Shaw has some catching up to do …
“Yes, I know Talz has kicked three now,” Shaw said with a laugh.
“He’d be the worst forward at the Club if he actually played there, but he just manages to work well off half-back and sneak forward occasionally.
“The three he’s kicked have been some of the worst kicks you’ve ever seen, but they manage to float through somehow. I’m not one to talk, though. Hopefully, we can both kick a few more.”
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