The Swans' losing streak against Collingwood stretches back six matches, with the Bloods' last victory over their southern rivals in round 13, 2005.
In 2008 the Swans lost twice to the Magpies in the regular season and in the 2007 finals the black and whites dumped the Swans out at elimination final stage.
Swans coach Paul Roos admits the Shaw signing could be the circuit-breaker when the two sides meet in round 12 next year.
"There's no question they've (Collingwood) been our bogey side and they've played very well. We certainly need all the help we can get," Roos said on Thursday.
"So we'll be picking his brain and trying to work out some of the ways we can beat the Pies."
Shaw, who arrives in Sydney next week, says it won't be easy for him to play against a club where he spent nine seasons and has such a strong family connection.
"I've barracked for the black and whites my whole life and I've grown up with it all ... but I'll be 100 per cent Sydney by then," he said on Thursday.
"It'll be a bit of a change after where I've been for the last nine years. Different state, different club, the focus isn't on Sydney all the time like it is at Collingwood. So it's probably a good thing."
Last time Shaw played against the Swans was in round 14, 2008, where he picked up 15 disposals and six marks in the Pies' 29-point win at ANZ stadium.
"I think I can help Roosy and the match committee with the ins-and-outs of the game plan with a focus on beating Collingwood," he said.
Shaw, who can play on the half-back line or in midfield, was taken by Collingwood under the father-son rule with pick 18 in the 1999 draft. His father Ray played 146 games from 1974-1981 and his brother Heath has 71 games to his name with the Magpies.
"Everyone knows I've had a tough time at Collingwood and I need a fresh start," added Shaw. "They respect the fact I've got to do the best thing for me and my football.
"On the other hand it creates a bit of history. I think I'm the only Shaw to ever play somewhere other than Collingwood. It's a bit of a change, but Mum hasn't stopped crying."
As for the hoodoo over the Swans, Shaw says shutting down the pace through the Pies midfield is one way to stop them.
"There are a few factors that go into beating the Swans. I think mainly because we've played hard, one-on-one footy.
"Like Collingwood did against Geelong last year [in their 86-point demolition of the then premiers in round nine], we really ran the footy and got the ball into the forward line real quick.
"If the Swans can beat the Pies in the midfield, it'll also go a long way to beating them next year."
Roos is hoping Shaw's pace in carrying the ball through the lines and experience at a big club will give the Swans another dimension in 2009.
"It didn't work out with one of the guys we were after but certainly when we found out Rhyce was available in the middle of trade week we were pretty keen to pursue it.
"He's not too old, but it's a really good time in his career."
