Shaw, 37, agreed to terms with the Kangaroos on Wednesday afternoon to replace Brad Scott on a full-time basis for the next three seasons.

The former Collingwood and Sydney player had impressed Kangaroos powerbrokers during an eight-game stint as interim coach.

North Melbourne won four of those games under Shaw’s tutelage, although they are on a three-match losing streak and out of finals contention in 14th spot on the ladder.

“It probably has happened a little quicker than I expected but I back myself in any situation,” Shaw told a media conference on Thursday.

“I’ve been in the industry for 20 years now and I think I know it pretty well.

“I’m still learning each and every day and that’s the great thing about being a senior coach.”

The Kangaroos made a big play for former club playing great John Longmire but he elected to re-sign as Sydney coach, leaving Shaw as the favourite to succeed Scott.

North Melbourne chairman Ben Buckley was supremely confident the club had made the right call.

“We wanted the best the industry could offer and someone who would embrace the past, the present and, of course, the future,” he said.

“We’ve found that person in Rhyce.

“Since Rhyce took over as interim coach two months ago we’ve seen a transformation and a response from our entire football department that encouraged us and sometimes inspired us and has certainly reassured us.

“He was the best fit for our club.”

-AAP