RHYCE Shaw says the move from Collingwood to the Sydney Swans was the best decision he’s made in his football career.

The dashing flanker played 94 games in nine seasons at Collingwood, following in the footsteps of his father Ray and uncles Tony and Neville.

But after half a season at the Swans, Shaw said he felt more comfortable in Sydney than he ever did as an AFL footballer in Melbourne.

“It was pretty hard living in Melbourne, I don’t think I really coped with it that well. To come up here, the change of environment has been really helpful for me and my footy,” he said.

“It’s been really good for me, not only as a footballer but as a person as well, to get out on my own and really experience things by myself.

“I do miss my family and my little brother. That’s probably been the hardest thing about moving but in terms of football, it’s been really good for me and really positive moving up here.

“I’ve got the confidence of the coaching staff and the players, which is something that I’ve worked really hard for and hopefully I can continue this year.”

Shaw’s inside knowledge of the Magpies has helped the Swans plan for Saturday night’s clash at ANZ Stadium, as they bid to break a six-game losing streak against Collingwood.

But the 27-year-old said the Swans’ poor recent record against the Magpies wasn’t a feature of the club’s pre-game preparations.

“They haven’t really brought up the history that much. It’s just been about preparing for another game of football. We’re really desperate to get another four points because we’ve had some pretty bad losses this year and been pretty inconsistent,” he said.

“To go up against Collingwood who are in the eight at the moment and playing really good footy, it’s a really good challenge for us. All the guys seem pretty positive.”

Having played in several victorious Collingwood sides against the Swans, Shaw said there was no great secret to his former club’s good run.

“You can’t really put it down to one specific thing. It’s just the way Collingwood have prepared for the game. It’s always been a big game in their eyes,” he said.

“They’ve always had a lot of respect for the Sydney Swans and it’s a real measure for Collingwood to go up against the Sydney Swans and beat them.”