Collingwood premiership player Heath Shaw will make a one-off appearance for GFNL club Geelong West in its clash with Lara on Saturday.
39-year-old Shaw, who played 325 AFL games, will pull on a Giants jumper at West Oval as part of an initiative to play with several clubs that feature the branding of the AFL’s youngest club.
“About two weeks ago, I played for Korrrumburra, and the same sort of thing as Geelong West, they’re affiliated with the Giants, and they wore the Giants colours,” Shaw told K rock Football’s Beyond the Boundary podcast.
“I was talking to some people at the club, and in the back of my head I had an idea, and I floated it with Dave Matthews, who’s the CEO of the (GWS) Giants.
“I said, ‘Mate, I should just go and play for all our affiliated Giants teams.’ And he said, ‘Great idea, let’s do it.
“The Giants are playing Geelong down at Geelong this weekend. He said, ‘Well, I’m speaking at the lunch on Saturday, so why don’t you try and do it before that game?'”
Shaw is no stranger to the charcoal and orange, playing 152 games in seven seasons with the GWS Giants after 173 matches with the Magpies, including the 2010 flag success over St Kilda, which was won in a replay.
The dashing defender was a two-time All-Australian at the Giants, and he represented Victoria in the Hall of Fame Tribute Match in 2008.
After retiring at the end of 2020, Shaw spent three seasons with Essendon and District club East Keilor.
He spent last year making cameos across Victoria, Tasmania, and Southern NSW.
Geelong West, which has played under the Giants banner since 2017, is keen to strengthen its ties with the GWS Giants further.
Coach Greg Mellor sees Shaw’s involvement as beneficial for his young group.
“I think we’ll have about 11 players (aged) 20 and under on Saturday, maybe even more, and with a few older boys missing out, like (Lachie) Taylor,” he said.
“It gives our young boys a chance to learn from someone who’s probably well known for his leadership and directional voice on the ground just as much as his playing ability.
“Playing over 300 AFL games, he’s certainly seen and done a lot.”
“I think it’s an invaluable opportunity for our young team.”
Shaw’s appearance is a key part of a massive day for the Giants, with both GFNL and GDFNL sections at home.
The GDFNL reserves will start the day’s action, followed by the GDFNL seniors, GFNL seniors, and the GFNL reserves.
There will also be a full program of netball.
X: @krockfootball
