Shannon Byrnes Biography

Melbourne appoints two-time Geelong premiership player and recently retired Demon Shannon Byrnes as its welfare and development coach.

"I'm rapt to get the opportunity to stay at the club that gave me my second chance and I'm looking forward to working with the younger players to help them develop and improve," Byrnes said.

A season-ending foot injury has forced the immediate retirement of Melbourne forward Shannon Byrnes.

The two-time Geelong premiership player last played seniors in round eight this season before suffering the injury in the VFL in June.

"You can't pick and choose when your injuries come. Some players get them a lot earlier in their career, and I've had a pretty good run with injuries in my time," Byrnes said.

"I can't really complain, but it's disappointing that it's come right towards the end of my career and I wasn't able to play out the season.

"Upon reflection, I've had a pretty good run so it's a little bit bittersweet, but I'll look back on my career with a lot more fond memories than disappointments."

Melbourne recruit Shannon Byrnes impresses kicks five first-half goals in an intraclub practice match while also impressing coach Mark Neeld with his leadership skills.

"He's been really good for us over summer with his leadership and the way he plays. For him to come out and play that way was good," Neeld said.

"He might be short in stature but in terms of volume he's pretty loud and that's great for our young players to hear and to see the way he moves."

Shannon Byrnes and Chris Dawes are named in the Demons' leadership group, joining co-captains Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove as well as vice-captain Nathan Jones.

"We are pleased at the impact of Shannon Byrnes and Chris Dawes since their arrival. Their leadership and experience was one of the reasons we pursued them during the free agency and trade periods," Demons head coach Mark Neeld said.

"Both Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove experienced a challenging year in 2012, but in their first year as captains, we were very happy with their development and have full confidence that this will continue in 2013.

"Nathan Jones has been recognised for his contributions both on and off the field last season, and he, along with the others' leadership, will provide great support for our captains."

Shannon Byrnes says he has been invigorated by his move to Melbourne and is excited about working with his new forwardline teammates at the Demons.

"I love the forwardline group," Byrnes said.

"There is a bit of brotherhood down there. You have got to love the blokes that you play with. It makes you a better side and makes you enjoy playing a lot more if you have a strong bond with the guys you spend most of the time out on the ground."

Shannon Byrnes has said goodbye to the Cats after 10 years at an emotional Geelong best and fairest function.

"The overwhelming response has been positive and everyone has wished me well," Byrnes said.

"I'm able to leave on a good note, I suppose, and no one's upset with how it's gone down. There's been no grudges or anything like that, so it's sort of overwhelmed me a little bit."

Two-time premiership Cat Shannon Byrnes has signed a two-year deal with Melbourne as an unrestricted free agent.

"I guess the opportunity is the big thing that attracted me to Melbourne first and foremost," Byrnes said.

"I can see myself fitting into the group really well. Hopefully I can bring some knowledge from Geelong and get Melbourne back on track to being the successful team that I know everyone thinks they can be."

Geelong's Shannon Byrnes denies rumours of a reported move to Melbourne next season.

"I only read about that this morning myself," Byrnes said.

"I saw the Dees looking for a Cat, that was the headline, and I was interested to see who it was.

"I was surprised it was me, that's the first I knew about it but I'll worry about that stuff once footy's done (this season)."

Shannon Byrnes hopes a big pre-season, and a slice of luck, will help him regain his spot in the Cats' senior side.

"I hadn't really had any injuries like that before in my career, but everyone has to deal with injuries from time to time," Byrnes said.

"All you can do is learn from it, and know how your body works a bit more. If you're not fit, you're not going to get a game."

Geelong forward Shannon Byrnes will be sidelined for up to a month after suffering a knee injury in the VFL.

Geelong coach Mark Thompson says the Cats would have lost to Fremantle if not for five goals from Shannon Byrnes.

"He kicked five goals and without his contribution we wouldn't have won, let's be honest," Thompson said.

"It's his best game, absolutely, for the club. I've been a big supporter. He missed out on last year's grand final and probably if we had our time again we should have played him.

"He's the ultimate team player and that's the beauty about guys who aren't necessarily in your best 22 or aren't your big profile players. To us he is a really, really important person and I've been backing him all year and will continue to do so."

Geelong player Shannon Byrnes is living his dream - over and over.

"I've always been told I was too small to make it, so I had to have my own expectations and not go on what anyone else has expected of me," Byrnes said.