PRIVATE school football isn't just a haven for AFL-bound teenagers to score a free education.
There is also a great chance for those never previously considered as professional football prospects to prove their worth – sometimes after starring in other sports.
Brighton Grammar's former First XVIII football coach Robert Shaw, who played 51 games for Essendon and coached Fitzroy and Adelaide, is this week's guest on Trends.
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Top-10 draft picks Andy McGrath, Josh Kelly, Christian Salem and Jack Watts are just some of the footballers who developed under Shaw's tutelage.
In a wide-ranging interview, Shaw gives his strong thoughts on a Tasmanian AFL team, identifying football traits in talented athletes, his new Bombers recruiting role, and what needs to be done with mental health.
Trends is a podcast for the hardcore and average football fan who wants to learn more about what they're watching each weekend, plus what's going on behind the scenes.
Podcast summary
2:00 – Reflecting on Robert Shaw's experiences in the game
3:38 – What would having an AFL team do for Tasmania?
5:35 – 'Embarrassing, disrespectful and poor' treatment
10:12 – The role as a private school football coach
13:59 – Developing a football passion and pathway for kids
15:40 – The journeys of Nathan Murphy, Jayden Hunt and Harry Reynolds
19:21 – Identifying football traits in athletes from other sports
20:47 – The advantages of playing private school football
24:47 – New Essendon recruiting role is a "labour of love"
27:28 – Keeping an open mind on draft age eligibility
28:02 – Melbourne's mistake with No.1 draft pick Jack Watts
30:22 – Making mental health, concussion and gambling a priority
