Bombers assistant coach Robert Shaw is well known for his tactical genius in the coaching box.

But what may be less well-known is his prowess on the cricket field - Shaw played in excess of 70 first eleven games with Essendon Cricket Club.

And with the off-season giving him some rare free time over the weekend's he was approached to help the old club out as captain of its fifth eleven.

"The gave me a call and said they needed some one to look after the fifths and help the young kids out so I will do that when I can," Shaw said.

"I certainly won't be scrutinising the batting line-up of the Broadmeadows thirds (this week's opposition) as closely as I did the Melbourne mid-field a few weeks back."

Shaw began his cricket career with Essendon as a 17-year-old in 1974. A stand and deliver opening batsman he faced some of Victoria's finest opening bowlers in the ensuing years.

"There were some fiery customers around - Rodney Hogg, Alan Hurst, Max Walker and later on Merv Hughes - they all had a nasty streak and were pretty quick," Shaw said.

"We didn't have helmets when I first started so you certainly knew there was a game on - not like the blokes going around today like Matthew Drain," Shaw laughed.

Essendon football manager Matthew Drain is captain/coach and opening batsman for district cricket club Carlton.

After finishing with Essendon Shaw shifted to Tasmania where he played in two winning premiership sides with Clarence under the legendary Brian Davidson.

Shaw said the best opposition batsmen he had ever played against were Keith Stackpole and John Scholes. He said the best player he ever played with was Bomber legend John Grant.

So how does Shaw rate the chances of the Essendon fifth eleven this season.

"It's been a long pre-season and the boys have worked hard ... to be honest I wouldn't have a clue. I can't even pronounce the names of half the players in the side," Shaw said.