The GWS Giants have confirmed that they will not offer veteran defenseman Heath Shaw another deal for the 2021 season
Shaw joined the club in 2014, taking full Australian honors in 2015 and 2016 while also winning the Kevin Sheedy medal in 2015
He would play a pivotal role in leading the team to their first grand final in 2019, where they were dominated by Richmond
The 325-game veteran thanked the club for their support and helping to turn their career around
« If you had told me 10 years ago that I would be a life member, club champion and twice All Australian and that I would have played a grand final in a club that did not exist there Ten years ago, I would have taken a sheet of Darryl Kerrigan’s book and said ‘tell them they’re dreaming’, ”Shaw said in a statement
« I don’t think an interview went by where I didn’t say how grateful I am to this club for a second chance, nor tell everyone how special this club really is and unique
« I’m a beast of competition, so I clung to the idea of another year with the GIANTS to try and get us back to where we should be, but sometimes the decision is up to you, which makes it easier things «
GIANTS chief executive David Matthews thanked Shaw for his service to the club, calling the decision to negotiate for him one of the most significant in the club’s short history
« The trade to bring Heath Shaw to the club at the end of 2013 turned out to be one of the most important decisions in our club’s history Heath has become a life member and a highly regarded part of GIANTS, ”said Matthews
“Heath came to the club at a time when we were clamoring for experience and he has had a profound impact on our club since the day he walked through the doors
“Not only has he always delivered consistent results on the pitch, but he supported our AFLW team in their early years and played a vital role in the growth of our club and the game more broadly with his personality and his favorite humor of AFL fans across the country «
This was shared by general manager of football Jason McCartney, however, admitted it was time for him to move on to allow the next generation to move on
« Heath is an incredible competitor and has done a remarkable job preparing to play consistently over such a long period, » said McCartney
« He gave absolutely everything he had to the GIANTS and indicated he wanted to keep playing, but we think the time has come for him to make way for the next generation. »
Heath Shaw
World News – UA – AFL 2020: Giants confirm defender Heath Shaw will not be re-signed for 2021 season