Heath Shaw joins the Giants for the day

HEATH Shaw entertained the Korumburra-Bena faithful in the leadup to pulling on a Giants jumper, interviewer Ricky Nixon asking an interesting array of questions.

Shaw’s involvement with the Collingwood ‘Rat Pack’, eventual premiership success and substantial contribution to the Pies and Greater Western Sydney Giants all came up.

So did Shaw’s initial fear of and ultimate respect for coach Mick Malthouse and scathing assessment of the coaching ability of Nathan Buckley.

The ‘Rat Pack’ was an invention of the Herald Sun, the often-in-trouble group consisting of Shaw, Dane Swan, Ben Johnson and Alan Didak. 

“We were just consistently in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Shaw reflected, saying all eventually grew up but admitting they were slow learners.

Nixon shifted the conversation to Anzac Day footy, Shaw having won an Anzac Medal while representing Collingwood, asking what it is like being part of the April 25 contests with Essendon.

Shaw spoke of Malthouse’s passion for the day and interest in military history and ability to motivate the players to support their mates, also noting the amazing crowd atmosphere and the jealousy of players from other clubs who don’t experience Anzac footy.

He had a simple response when asked his thoughts on Nathan Buckley.

“I don’t like him and he doesn’t like me,” Shaw said, acknowledging that prompted his move to the Sydney-based Giants.

“Bucks was an unbelievable player and an average coach, I thought.”

The clash stemmed from Buckley’s lack of flexibility regarding players’ preparation, Shaw saying everyone is different and Swan was one of the worst trainers he had seen but was able to deliver on match day.

While it was an adjustment process moving to the Giants, a team that had won just a game the previous season, it ultimately proved a great experience, Shaw getting to represent the side in a Grand Final.

Along with featuring in Collingwood’s 2010 premiership, other career highlights included playing in a winning Giants’ side in his 300th AFL game, enjoying a beer in the rooms with teammates and family afterwards, together with the honour of his Anzac Medal.