AFL.COM.AU'S award-winning photographer Michael Willson spent time with Heath Shaw ahead of the Giant and former Magpie's 300th game.
Willson captures Shaw dining and having a laugh with teammates, hard at training, and during his mid-week media conference where the veteran dressed in a blazer, tie and footy shorts.
The photos ooze personality, show Shaw's quirky sense of humour, and his fierce determination that has made him one of the great players and driven him to 300 games. Check them out below.
Sharing a laugh with assistant coach Mark McVeigh during the defenders' team meeting. ALL PICTURES: Michael Willson
The matchday boots need some wearing in before Saturday
Preparations underway in the locker room before a team meeting
Lightening the mood, Heath ever the joker
Leon Cameron addresses the team on the significance of Saturday's match; Heath a humble listener
Training ... with pretzels (see mouth)
Boxing with Adam Tomlinson on an unseasonably warm winter day in west Sydney
The caffeine hit
Jump like no one's watching
A keen eye on the clock as the torturous ropes are put to work
They don't get any easier, even after 299 games
Plate raises form part of the indoor circuit
As does planking, a gruelling task at times
Locker-room banter with former Collingwood teammate Lachlan Keeffe
Carb loading for Saturday begins at an Italian restaurant in Bondi with teammates
Shooting the breeze with Cogs
Regaling the group with story one of 299
Business time. Styled by Jon Patton
Time to face the media. Reading a prepared statement, strangely familiar
Media street: lights, camera, action
Partners in business, and training (FYI, that's Matt de Boer behind) ...
... as well as locker-room neighbours
In deep thought analysing the opposition
Logging on
Encouragement (?) is key
Massage and chill
Australian Football is not the only sport of interest
A business venture into racehorse GPS systems with Matt de Boer promises a bright future after football
Shaw and De Boer are working together on a business venture.
But no one's walking off into the sunset just yet 
