The AFL career of Heath Shaw is over after Greater Western Sydney decided against offering him a contract extension.
The 34-year-old defender held out hope of earning a new one-year deal but the 325-game veteran is at peace with the Giants’ decision.
“If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d be a life member, a club champion and two-time All-Australian and have played off in a grand final at a club that didn’t exist a decade ago, I would have taken a leaf out of Darryl Kerrigan’s book and said, ‘Tell ’em they’re dreaming’,” Shaw said.
“I don’t think an interview has gone past where I haven’t said how thankful I am to this club for a second chance, or told everyone how really special and unique this club is.
“I’m a competitive beast so I held on to the thought of another year with the Giants to try get us back to where we should be, but sometimes the decision is taken out of your hands which makes it easy.”
After playing 173 games for Collingwood, Shaw notched another 152 matches for the Giants, which included All-Australian honours in 2015 and 2016 and the Kevin Sheedy Medal in 2015.
Shaw famously announced before the 2019 grand final against Richmond that he would retire if the Giants won.
GWS ended up getting belted by 89 points in that match, and they failed to make the finals this year.
Shaw was desperate to have one final crack at leading the Giants to flag glory but it wasn’t to be.
However, Shaw at least ends his career with a premiership to his name – the 2010 flag with the Magpies.
Giants chief executive David Matthews paid tribute to Shaw.
“The trade to bring Heath Shaw to the club at the end of 2013 has proven to be one of the most significant decisions in our club’s history,” Matthews said.
“Heath came to the club at a time that we were crying out for experience and he has had a profound impact on our club since the day he walked in the doors.
“Not only has he delivered consistently on field, he has supported our AFLW team in their early years and has been integral in growing our club and the game more broadly with his personality and humour a favourite of AFL fans right across the country.”
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I was born on probation
2dogs
Roar Rookie
You tell him Pete :thumbup:
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Heath Shaw is a premiership player for Collingwood and was swapped to GWS with Taylor Adams Timbo. How is that not relevant in an article on Heath Shaws career?
George Apps
Roar Rookie
Maybe your mother should have gone for the smother when you were born?
George Apps
Roar Rookie
I've never had carp with sugar.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I do. I hope their mother is ok. Terrible news about the accident and all that palover about the pavlova.
timbo's rules
Guest
Loved watching him play. My son has adhd and I tried to use Heath as inspiration but he just doesn't like football.
timbo's rules
Guest
The article is mot about Taylor Adams. Who cares about Collingwood.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Here’s some much better WA Anthems https://youtu.be/qR8yEX3MwKc –or– https://youtu.be/7N5akOOlGTI
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
What a saccharine piece of carp.
Dave
Roar Rookie
I was thinking Suns haha
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
It had an element of this guy about it: https://youtu.be/ZmInkxbvlCs
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Aye, underrated :stoked:
RT
Roar Rookie
Cringe!!!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Sorry Mr Right Id switched off watching Hawthorn premierships by then
Mr Right
Roar Rookie
The 2015 Grand Final to be exact!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Ha ha! yeah the WA Govt restrictions of one person per room means some are kicked out in the car park in campervans. Apparently they are piping this classic tune throughout the Joondalup resort on full volume too. https://youtu.be/QnKWmZzaBNI
Paul D
Roar Rookie
If it wasn't for Luke Hodge he'd be the best backline general of our generation. Reminded me a lot of Justin Leppitsch at his peak. Probably better than him to be honest.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
hey pts,just reading collingwood staff sleeping in campervans over in WA,money must be getting low,port should ask the question to moore,we have lots of money this year
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Nah, not a Grand Final