Roos gamble a Shaw thing as Swans outclass Carlton | Thebigtip

Swans dare to be different - by Greg Baum from theage.com.au

IN THE tradition of Nash, Pratt, Capper and Lockett, the Swans yesterday gave the world … Rhyce Shaw.

In 10 years and 130 games for Collingwood and Sydney, Shaw had never previously played as a first-pick forward.

Stationed in the goal square at Etihad Stadium yesterday, Shaw kicked a game-high three goals - all at the Lockett end - variously proving himself too fast on the lead for Andrew Walker and too strong one-on-one for Aaron Joseph. So are the praises of the great forwards sung.

Shaw did not singlehandedly deliver victory for Sydney over Carlton, but his successful redeployment illustrated how the decimated Swans dared to be different against a Carlton team that in the first half was stilled curled up in its competitive shell.

So the Swans came away with their first win this season over a side higher than them on the ladder, and in the view of coach Paul Roos, their best.

Shaw's inspiration was not Sydney/South Melbourne history, but family. The previous day, brother Heath - also a career defender - had kicked two goals from

a wing in Collingwood's epic victory over St Kilda.

''He let me know about it, too,'' Rhyce said. He was on the plane at the time.

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