New Kangas coach Graham: “I’m a Shinboner already”

Jaymie Graham says he already feels like a Shinboner.

The new North Melbourne senior coach has immediately embraced the club’s working-class ethos and feels right at home at Arden Street.

Graham was unveiled as North’s next head coach on Tuesday and says he has been warmly welcomed by those at the Kangas and Roos fans on the outer.

“I’m a Shinboner already,” he said on SEN Breakfast.

“(A Shinboner) is someone who displays a sense of humility, mateship, work ethic, all those that I hold true to myself.

“I’m a Kalgoorlie boy, grew up with my grandparents, pop was a horse trainer, so I feel like I’m a Shinboner.”

Graham added: “The support has been overwhelming, there’s been plenty of love and messages sent through.

“Obviously from people I know, but even others have been reaching out. It feels like there’s a lot of positivity around the place.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the club and the energy that’s around the place. I’ve got that feeling and it’s great to feel welcome and feel like you belong.”

The former Fremantle assistant spoke of the down-to-earth, authentic feel around the club which continues on in those who have spent time there previously.

“I know a lot of Shinboners and they have that connection already,” he said.

“In the club they’ve got a central area called ‘The Heart’ and that’s where they share news and stories and they’ve already had a couple of meetings in The Heart, and there is this real one-club feel.

“It’s a place I’m excited to be a part of.”

After recently missing out on the Essendon and Carlton jobs, Graham says he is as prepared as he can be to take a senior coaching role.

Freo coach Justin Longmuir also gave him some parting advice as he embarks on a new journey in Melbourne.

“I’m as ready as I can be. There’s going to be a lot of firsts like doing stuff like this, doing the press conference yesterday,” he said further.

“‘JL’ (Justin Longmuir) rang us yesterday and said, ‘You’re going to have a lot of firsts come up, but just be yourself’.

“So I’m as ready as I can be but I’ll be learning along the way and I’m not a finished product.”

After plenty of years in the football wilderness, the Roos need a shot in the arm for their success-starved supporters.

So, what is Graham’s message for the faithful? What does he want the club and the team to be known for?

“We want to be really organised and connected, and they’ll see a group playing for each other,” the 43-year-old said.

“As for as the phases of the game - defence, offence and contest - I do believe in being balanced in that the phases complement each other.

“One of the opportunities for us to be stronger defensively, turn the ball over and bring our game to life that way.

“People talk about defensive coaches, but it is really to create offensive opportunities. That is the vision.

“But I’ll get together with the coaching group, collaborate, and work on some ideas.”

Listen to the full chat with Graham below: