New Greater Western Sydney defender, Heath Shaw, admits he was stunned by Collingwood’s decision to let him go but is now ready for a fresh challenge.
Shaw, who won the 2010 premiership with the Magpies, moved to the Giants last week in a deal that saw young gun, Taylor Adams, make the switch to Collingwood. He signed a five-year deal worth around $3.5 million.
According to the AFL betting page on the Betfair website, the 27-year-old said he was determined to see out the final two years of his contract at the MCG but the Pies had other ideas.
“I was pretty shocked and upset at that time. After it was done I didn’t really want to speak to anyone, I went offline for a few days just to take it all in,” Shaw told News Limited.
“The process wasn’t the greatest process to go through but now that it’s done and dusted I’m really excited about the challenge ahead. I’m looking forward to getting to Sydney and getting stuck in to pre-season.”
Shaw has revealed he was particularly angry with Collingwood coach, Nathan Buckley, saying “he was not my favourite person when the decision was made to trade me”.
However, that anger soon turned to happiness that his future had been resolved. He has now accepted the decision was the best one for him and the Magpies, a club very close to his heart.
“I’m always going to love the club and its people. My best mates have come from Collingwood and I’ve still got plenty there,” said Shaw, who will find out his first opponents as a Giants player on Thursday.
“I can’t say a bad word against Collingwood because they gave me the opportunity. I won a premiership there with a great bunch of blokes and I’ll always be able to share that.”