Veteran GIANTS defender Heath Shaw is passing on his vast knowledge gained from 15 years at the top level with both the AFL Women’s program and the GIANTS Academy.

The 32-year-old, who has 262 AFL games behind him, got a first hand look at the AFLW team’s impressive start to the season last weekend as he mentored some of the GIANTS’ backline. 

Shaw will also be continuing on in his role assisting in the GIANTS Academy in 2018.

It’s a role that the former Collingwood premiership star is familiar with having spent time developing Harry Perryman and Nick Shipley during their time in the Academy.

GIANTS Academy Coach Jason Saddington said Shaw’s experience is a welcome boost for the next generation of GIANTS. 

“Heath's insight into the game adds value to our training program and drills,” he said.   

“His character is infectious with players and he works really well on their level.  

“Training certainly peps up when he is involved and the players always want to perform well for him.”

GIANTS AFLW head coach Alan McConnell said Shaw had been involved with the women’s team for a number of months and is looking forward to this continuing in the upcoming season. 

“He’s very passionate about the AFLW team, our AFLW payers and the AFLW game in general and he’s also passionate about coaching,” he said.

“Heath actually coached one of the teams way back in our very first talent search so there’s been a long-term commitment to what’s going on and we’re very lucky and grateful that he’s got that interest.”

Shaw’s role in the GIANTS AFLW recruitment phase wasn’t limited to coaching at the talent search, with his thoughts and opinions on prospects taken into consideration as the club built its playing list ahead of the 2018 season.

The 2015 Sheedy Medallist was on hand at last Saturday’s AFLW practice match to assist with the GIANTS’ backline.

“It was good to help out the girls as they got their season underway,” Shaw said. 

“I’ve obviously had a fair bit to do with Al McConnell over the years and he’s had a massive impact on their program.

“Hopefully there’s a few games coming up that don’t clash with our pre-season hit outs and I can help out where I can.”