THE BROTHERLY battle between Rhyce and Heath Shaw will take a backseat on Sunday for the North Melbourne interim coach, as he looks to continue his unbeaten run in charge of the Kangaroos.
Rhyce has claimed two wins from two starts since taking on the North Melbourne coaching role following Brad Scott's departure after its round 10 win over the Western Bulldogs.
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This week he breaks into rare territory when he coaches a side against a team featuring his brother, with Heath to line up for the Giants in their clash at Blundstone Arena.
It is the first time it has happened since Jade Rawlings coached Richmond in round 16, 2009, against North Melbourne, when his brother Brady was playing for the Roos.
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However, the family ties will mean little to older brother Rhyce, who is focused on stretching North's run of form.
"We've heard a little bit from Heath, haven't we? It's pretty interesting. I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing GWS in Hobart. That's the real key for me this week," Shaw said on Thursday.
"We've been playing some good footy, but it's another challenge. They're a really super high quality side, and I'm looking forward to that and I know the boys are."
Even despite his concentration on the bigger picture, Shaw understood the interest in the uncommon meeting. He also denied Heath's claims he had been in touch during the week for some "inside info".
"I haven't spoken to Heath. He's trying to put words in my mouth there. I've stayed away. I'm very focused on what I need to do and what the boys need to do, and have been locked in and preparing to play a really good team," he said.
"It is [a weird feeling to see his name on the other team]. Not only because he's my brother, but he's a bloody good player. He's done some damage over his time and I certainly hope we put some plans in place so he doesn't do that."
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It will be a challenge for the Roos, who will take on the premiership fancies without star midfielder Shaun Higgins, who will miss the next six weeks with an AC joint injury.
Shaw nominated Curtis Taylor, Taylor Garner, Paul Ahern and Kyron Hayden as the possible inclusions to fill the role of the two-time best and fairest winner.
However, Jamie Macmillan won't return, with the Roos to be cautious with the half-back's calf injury ahead of their bye next week.
"Jamie's going to miss out again this week. He might've pushed to get up but with the bye we thought he could really settle it down and kickstart that second half of the year," Shaw said.
