Adam Shaw was unable to break into NFL ranks as a punter himself, but is eager to help aspiring locals achieve their dreams.By Marc McGowan
GRIDIRON punting was first introduced to Australia when former Melbourne Demons and West Coast Eagles full-forward Darren Bennett took his long-kicking act to the United States last decade.
Interest has gone to a whole new level in recent years with former AFL stars Ben Graham and Saverio Rocca also taking the plunge, and Noble Park’s resident punting expert Adam Shaw, 35, is keen to explore just how much interest there really is.
Shaw was a talented athlete in his own right, having spent a year at both the Melbourne Tigers and the South-East Melbourne Magic in the National Basketball League, as well as being invited to try-out as a punter for the National Football League (NFL) in the US in 2001.
But he is now looking to move into the coaching ranks and is hoping to guide Australia’s next punting export to the big league.
“I remember when I was going over, there was no-one really around to assist or teach me, so I had to have a couple of quite expensive trips over there for coaching and try-outs,” Shaw said.
“I was never a great (Australian Rules) footballer, but within two years of (starting) punting, I got to kick in front of 24 NFL coaches and I was the only international player at the time to be invited over to the specialised combine.”
Shaw is banking on his own story inspiring others to take a shot and he believes he has established quality contacts in the US that will give Australians an opportunity if they show talent for the discipline.
The most impressive contact he has is former Green Bay Packers punter Bill Renner, who is recognised as one of the premier punting coaches in the world.
“I actually emailed Bill last week to let him know what I was doing and … he wrote back that he supported me wholeheartedly and if there was any advice I needed he was available,” Shaw said.
“I definitely know the processes of what it takes to make the NFL and I’ve been able to develop some good techniques to be able to assist others as well.”
If anyone is interested in taking up punting, Shaw can be contacted on 0431 938 920.
