Despite battling a spate of injuries over the last two seasons, including an ankle syndesmosis that sidelined him for four weeks this year, Shaw rediscovered his best form late in the season and will play an important role off the half-back line for the Sydney Swans tomorrow.
The 32-year-old, who played in former side Collingwood’s losing Grand Final in 2003 before becoming a premiership player with the Swans in 2012, told SwansTV he didn’t think he could feel much better leading into this year’s decider against Hawthorn.
“I said to ‘Horse’ (Swans coach John Longmire) that it’s the best I’ve felt in two years,” Shaw said.
“It’s a huge relief for me because it has been a bit of a struggle, so I’m just really thankful to be a part of this week again and to be a part of such a great side.
“It’s going to be a great contest against an even stronger unit from previous years.
“It’s going to be great, it’s going to be on and I just can’t wait for Saturday.”
In addition to his terrific recent form, which saw him pick up 20 possessions and five rebound-50s against North Melbourne in last week’s preliminary final, Shaw said he was enjoying his football as much as ever.
After such a long time in the league, Shaw said he still maintained his love for the game, and hoped he could contribute to another premiership win this weekend.
“It’s 15 years now and you’re a long time retired, so I don’t want to give it away prematurely,” he said.
“I really just want to enjoy every game and that’s the way I’m trying to play.
“Hopefully I can help the guys in any way I can and just play my best footy.”
Not only is Shaw a regular contributor for the Swans on-field, he has also forged a name for himself as a mentor for the club’s up-and-coming talent.
The veteran’s experience and expertise has been sought out by a number of young Swans this week, including Gary Rohan and Harry Cunningham, who will both play their first Grand Finals tomorrow.
Shaw said his role as a mentor was just “part of the job”, but said he was happy to share his experiences with the club’s younger players.
“I don’t know if I enjoy it, but the young blokes, they’re different these days to what I was used to.” Shaw joked.
“But it’s one of those things; if you’re an experienced player then you try and guide the young guys through, and I think we’ve got six newbies to the Grand Final this year, and hopefully we can help them in any way we can.
“It is a big day, it is a big week, so it’s really important that they stay relaxed and enjoy it.”
Shaw said he had warned the club’s younger players about the heightened atmosphere surrounding the Grand Final down in Melbourne, but also encouraged them to take in the unique experience.
“It’s going to be on (when the team arrives in Melbourne),” he said.
“It’s not like up here (in Sydney) where you can get away with a few things, everyone will know that it’s you, and they will try and give you advice and talk to you about the game.
“They might cop a bit of a spray from some Hawthorn supporters, but it’s all just part of the week, and hopefully they can deal with it really well and be prepared for Saturday.”
With a good mix of fresh faces and experienced campaigners, Shaw said he felt the Swans were ready for the task ahead, and would head into tomorrow’s decider full of confidence.
“We’re extremely confident that we can come out on top,” he said.
“It’s extremely important that we have that mindset because they are a very good team and they have very few weaknesses.
“We look forward to that challenge and we’ve got to take it head on and come out on top on Saturday.”
