GIANTS vice-captain Heath Shaw has achieved a lot in his career, but coach Leon Cameron believes it’s time another honour was added – a maiden Virgin Australia All Australian team selection.
Shaw has been in career-best form in 2015, starring for the GIANTS across half back.
Now into his 12th season in the AFL, Shaw leads the league in kicks, rebound 50s and bounces.
He had a season-high 32-possessions on Saturday in the GIANTS’ loss to Sydney and is yet to miss a game this year.
Ahead of the GIANTS’ final home game of the season against Carlton at Spotless Stadium on Saturday, Cameron has called upon the All Australian selection panel to look closely at the 29-year old defender.
“He’s been our rock down there, not only beating his man, and I think people tend to think Heath Shaw is just a rebounding defender, but he’s been our best defender in terms of stopping his man,” said Cameron.
“He plays on all the really good small to medium forwards, he gets the job done and he also finds the footy so we couldn’t be happier with him.
“He first came up to the club last year and to Heath’s standards it was a pretty good year first up, but he wanted to take it to another level and he definitely has this year and he’s been our most consistent performer all year.”
Shaw’s season could see him become the first defender to receive the Kevin Sheedy medal as GIANTS Club Champion, having been won previously by co-captain and midfielder Callan Ward, star forward Jeremy Cameron and ruckman Shane Mumford.
While most expect Shaw to poll well alongside the likes of Adam Treloar, Stephen Coniglio and Ward this year, Cameron was quick to point out his off-field importance.
“It’s been a fantastic year personally but also what he contributes to the team in terms of leadership is first class,” he said.
“It’s been a big year for the former Collingwood premiership defender, who notched up his 200th AFL match in round nine this season.”
Co-captain Callan Ward, who would also be coming into consideration for an All Australian berth, said Shaw deserves to be recognised.
“He hasn’t been All Australian in the past, even when he’s had some really good seasons so hopefully they can reward him this season,” Ward said.
“I think he’s been terrific for us all year. He’s got great experience on the ground, great leadership as well and he helps direct all the young players, especially the ones coming in now.
“Guys like Caleb Marchbank who haven’t played many games, he’s terrific for them and his foot skills are a weapon so to have him in our team is great as I’d hate to play against him.”
Ward also praised Shaw for lifting the training standards at the GIANTS since arriving at the club in late 2013.
“When you meet Heath you realise he’s really switched on, a really professional guy who likes to have a good time every now and then but in terms of being professional and playing AFL footy, he’s spot on and guys do really look up to him.”
After bowing out of the finals race last week, the GIANTS are looking for their 11th win of the season against Carlton who sit 17th on the ladder.
The GIANTS play Carlton in the final home game of the year at Spotless Stadium on August 29 at 1.45pm.
Click here to get your tickets now
