The son of Ray, a former captain of the club, Heath was recruited to Collingwood under the Father-Son rule with the 48th overall selection in the 2003 National Draft. He arrived alongside his cousin Brayden and joined older brother Rhyce, ensuring that the family tradition ran deep into the new millennium.
Heath Shaw debuted against St Kilda in round 17, 2005, and has remained a fixture in the senior side ever since, missing only one match through omission. Shaw has finished in the top five of the E.W. Copeland Trophy on three occasions and received the Bob Rose Trophy as the club's best player in the 2009 finals series.
His crowning glory came in the 2010 Grand Final Replay when he famously smothered St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt to save a certain goal in the opening quarter, thus ensuring that the Saints ended the quarter goal less.
Since his breakout season in 2006, Shaw has been a vital component of Collingwood's back six due to his daring play and unparalleled energy that can turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
Cousins Heath and Brayden Shaw battle for possession during a training session at Victoria Park in the summer of 2004, months after they were recruited to the club under the Father-Son rule.
The second-gamer spoils Fremantle's Des Headland in round 18, 2005, at the MCG.
The moment that caused the 43,296 Collingwood supporters at Telstra Dome to nod in unison and mutter "we've got one" under their breath. Shaw had played for VFL-affiliate Williamstown 24 hours prior, but was summoned into the senior team to take on the Hawks in round two on the Sunday afternoon. The lack of rest didn't hurt Shaw for a second, gathering 17 disposals and backing courageously into the path of Hawthorn captain Richie Vandenberg to mark at half back.
Bounding away from West Coast's Beau Waters at Telstra Dome in round 16, 2006.
The 2007 ANZAC Medallist, courtesy of his 32 possessions and 13 marks in round five, 2007.
.jpg)
The moment and the day that neither Shaw nor Collingwood fans will ever forget. Shaw denied St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt a certain goal with a breathtaking smother during the opening quarter of the Grand Final Replay in 2010. Collingwood took the ball the length of the field for Brent Macaffer to goal in the game's defining moment. Heath and father Ray couldn't hide their delight in the rooms shortly after the final siren.
Toasting success with three of his best mates - fellow Diamond Valley boy Ben Johnson, Dane Swan and Alan Didak.
A rock star reception for the "Smother of the Millenium" at Gosch's Paddock 24 hours after Shaw helped Collingwood claim its 15th premiership.
.jpg)
Two Collingwood greats, past and present. Congratulations on 150 games, Heater.
