Roos caretaker focused on AFL short term

North Melbourne interim AFL coach Rhyce Shaw says it will be a challenge to get his players focused after Brad Scott's emotional departure.

North Melbourne caretaker Rhyce Shaw wants to be a senior AFL coach but insists his immediate focus is on helping the Kangaroos move on from Brad Scott's emotional departure.

Shaw will coach the Roos on an interim basis following Scott's resignation, starting with Friday night's clash with Richmond at Marvel Stadium.

"I want to be a senior coach ... the opportunity is there but I'm not even thinking that far ahead," Shaw told reporters on Tuesday.