If you're a subscriber to the Age:

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/melbourne-appoints-shannon-byrnes-as-welfare-and-development-coach-20141111-11kkcx.html

I sat with the Byrnes family at the B&F and spoke briefly with Shannon about his future.

I can't say I thought much of him as a player, but he did come across as a really nice bloke.

This job is exactly what he was after.

It was also announced today on the MFC website:

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2014-11-11/byrnes-gains-new-role-with-melbourne

I was certainly happy to hear it. He seems like a ripping bloke, the playing group obviously respect and like him and I think he'll certainly aid the new draftees and young players make that transition into the AFL.

Edited November 11, 201411 yr by ignition.

So not all lost from this 'trade' ...

I was certainly happy to hear it. He seems like a ripping bloke, the playing group obviously respect and like him and I think he'll certainly aid the new draftees and young players make that transition into the AFL.

Extremely passionate at the B&F about his desire to get into the area of player welfare. I thought at the time that there'd be limited opportunities (18 spots in the AFL?)

I had a brief chat with him at training last year and he seemed extremely switched on. Good for him!

So not all lost from this 'trade' ...

Not trying to be a pedant but him coming to the club was via him being a delisted free agent. In the end, we lost nothing.

That being said, he might have been good in the backrooms but he had lost any of his nip by the time he reached us. That being said, with what people say about Shagger's personality, I think he should be very well suited to this job.

Useless player.

Useless player.

Solid contribution...

Useless player.

Useless post.

So not all lost from this 'trade' ...

Shannon's arrival at the club was little to do with what he could offer on the field. It was always about teaching the younger players about training standards at a top club and improving general culture/moral. To me it sounds like he succeeded in those things.

I've heard several reports from younger players saying he was good to have around as a sort of mentor, which it sounds like is exactly what he'll be doing now in a more official capacity.