The Player - One of the most damaging defenders in the game. Channels his unparalleled energy into providing attacking flair at half back where he performs well in the air and is dynamic when released into space. Maintains the ability to shutdown an opponent but remain a key source of rebound.
Shaw continues his family's legacy at Collingwood - his father, Ray, played 146 matches for the Magpies between 1974 and 1981 and captained the club in 1979 and 1980. His uncles Tony Shaw (313 games, 1990 premiership captain) and Neville (43 games from 1984-1986) both donned the jumper with distinction, and his cousin Brayden (Tony's son) was drafted to Collingwood on the same day as Heath in 2003. Although Brayden was the more highly rated of the pair in their junior days, he never managed a senior game. Heath Shaw has carved out a fine career in defence since debuting in late 2005, and despite courting his share of off field controversy, his leadership and hard-nosed approach has made him one of Collingwood's best big game performers and marked him as a key figure in the club's recent successes.
2011
Began in typically domineering fashion, winning the Michael Tuck Medal in Collingwood’s pre-season premiership win over Essendon. Sliced up Carlton in round three with 27 possessions and three Brownlow votes, and kicked one of the goals of the year when he had four bounces and then goaled from fifty metres against the Crows in round nine. By mid-year, he was a popularly tipped by most pundits to be a certain inclusion in the All-Australian team for the first time.
Disaster struck in the lead up to the round 17 game against Carlton when Shaw was banned for 14 matches (to serve only eight) after he was found to have laid a bet on teammate Nick Maxwell kicking the first goal of the match against Adelaide in round nine. During his suspension, Shaw was sent to Arizona for a fortnight to maintain his match fitness ahead of his return in the qualifying final.
When returned, he did not miss a beat, winning 30 disposals and taking 10 marks at half back against West Coast. He was quieter against Hawthorn in the preliminary final, but was not disgraced in the Grand Final loss to Geelong.
2010
Capped off another consistent season with his first premiership medal. Missed only three games due to a back injury and averaged 21.3 disposals and 5.6 marks. Blitzed Brad Johnson again in round one on the way to 36 possessions and 14 marks, and was outstanding against the Roos in round seven when he helped himself to 33 touches and a goal.
Typically reserved his best for the finals, with 20 disposals in each of the first two finals before being one of Collingwood’s best players across the two Grand Finals. Was one of the few Magpies to enhance his reputation in the drawn Grand Final (21 kicks, five tackles), handling the ball cleanly and setting up plenty of drive from the backline. Crashed the pack in the dying minutes at the top of the goal square to clear the path for Travis Cloke to kick the final goal of the day.
Enshrined himself in Collingwood history seven days later with his freakish smother of Nick Riewoldt in the opening quarter. As St Kilda appeared set to register their first goal of the day, Shaw sprinted for 35 metres to gain ground on Riewoldt who meandered to the goal line. Shaw managed to knock the ball free from Riewoldt’s hands before it could even touch his boot to save a certain goal and tip the momentum Collingwood’s way irreversibly.
Shaw had 28 possessions and 10 marks for the day and celebrated becoming the second member of the famous Shaw family to become a Collingwood premiership player. Later proclaimed his moment with Riewoldt to be ‘the smother of the millennium’. Few would disagree.
2009
Hamstring troubles and a suspension for contact with an umpire denied Shaw an early redemption for his end to 2008. He played only two of the first six matches before returning in round seven against St Kilda and didn’t miss a beat for the remainder of the year.
Quickly found his touch as the side recovered from a slow start to the year to finish fourth on the ladder. Continued to perform well even when the side was beaten, and continued to have the wood over Western Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson (34 disposals and two Brownlow votes in the round 22 loss). Piloted the side to a gritty win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium with 28 possessions in round 19 and received three Brownlow votes in the round 20 win over Richmond.
Was one of the most consistent Magpies in the finals, and had 29 touches in the semi final win over Adelaide. Finished third in the Copeland Trophy – his highest finish since debuting – and won the Bob Rose Trophy as the Best Finals Player. Averaged 23.0 disposals, reaffirming his status as one of the premier defenders in the competition.
2008
Started the year well with a best on ground performance against the Tigers in round three (33 disposals and nine marks), but found the going tough mid-season when opposition clubs finally discovered ways to curb his influence.
Produced some strong performances in losing sides against Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs, and booted two goals in the heavy loss to the Hawks in round 18 before things went awry.
In the days following the Hawthorn defeat, Shaw and Alan Didak were suspended for the rest of the season by the club following a serious late night indiscretion that resulted in the loss of Shaw’s driver’s license. It was a sour end to a season in which the consistency that was the hallmark of his previous seasons eluded him.
2007
Proved that 2006 was no fluke with another fifth placing in the Copeland Trophy. Did not miss a game at half back, and received two Brownlow votes in the three point win over the Kangaroos in round one. Shaw played a controversial role in the victory, conceding a fifty metre penalty with a minute remaining which resulted in his direct opponent Shannon Grant having a shot for goal from only 10 metres out. Amazingly, Grant hit the post, and Collingwood held on.
Cemented himself as one of the stars of the competition against Essendon in round five when he won the Anzac Medal for his 32 possessions. Although clubs began to put more emphasis into stopping him, it did nothing to slow him down. It took a thigh injury mid-year to drop his possession count for a fortnight, and he appeared set to miss against Melbourne in round 11 before he appeared wearing what looked like a mattress on his sore thigh.
Was consistent for the remainder of the season, receiving two Brownlow votes in his fiftieth game in round 22 against the Crows. Shaw was another Magpie to enhance his reputation during September, accruing 23 touches in the elimination final against the Swans and 25 against Geelong in the preliminary final.
2006
Sat out round one but was a late inclusion for Scott Burns in round two against Hawthorn. Had a marvellous match at half back gathering 17 disposals and courageously backing back into packs. Quickly endeared himself to the fans with his daring style of play, and had between 22 and 29 possessions in the seven weeks between rounds four and 10.
Made a name for himself on Anzac Day with 25 disposals and 15 marks, meaning he was close to taking out the Anzac Medal in only his ninth match. Kicked two majors and helped himself to 22 disposals and a Brownlow vote in the 102 point win over Geelong in round eight, and played alongside his brother Rhyce for the first time a week later against the Western Bulldogs.
Was best afield against Sydney in round 12 (20 disposals, eight marks, three Brownlow votes) and was outstanding against Port Adelaide in round 20 when he found 33 possessions and 11 marks at half back to earn three Brownlow votes in the nail biting win.
Subdued in the final three matches, but it didn’t deny him fifth place in the Copeland Trophy and third place in the AFL Rising Star Award. Was honoured with the Gavin Brown Award (Most Desire Indicators) and the Phonse Kyne Award for Services to the Club.
2005
Played one pre-season match, but couldn’t find a spot in the senior side when round one came around. Was named as an emergency in rounds five and six, but again slipped from view until round 17 when he made his debut against St Kilda at Docklands. Shaw was outstanding, winning 22 disposals and seven marks in a team that lost by 73 points. He held his place for the remainder of the season, ending it with 23 possessions against the Western Bulldogs.
2004
Played in a handful of practice matches for the Magpies in the pre-season. Made his senior VFL debut for Williamstown in round two, and dipped between the seniors and reserves for most of the year. Alternated between half forward, half back and the wing.
2003
Played for the Northern Knights in the TAC Cup U18s and was nominated to join Collingwood under the Father-Son rule (Ray, his father, played 146 games for the club) in September. Shaw would join older brother Rhyce (94 games) and his cousin Brayden Shaw (no games, son of Tony) who was drafted to the club under the same scheme. The pair trained with the team during the finals series ahead of their first season at the club.
Debut
Round 17 2005 v St Kilda at Docklands Stadium.
Milestones
- 50th Game - Round 22 2007 v Adelaide at Docklands Stadium.
- 100th Game - Round 9 2010 v Geelong at the MCG.
Draft History
2003 AFL Draft 3rd round father-son selection (Collingwood) No. 48 overall.
