REJUVENATED and redeployed in a new role, Heath Shaw is unsure whether this season will be his last, but admits a maiden premiership for GWS could make the decision easier.
Shaw, who comes off contract at the end of 2019, is on track to play his 300th game when the Giants tackle Port Adelaide in round 19.
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The 33-year-old has made a seamless return from the serious knee injury that sidelined him from the 2018 finals, excelling as a shutdown specialist rather than a rebounding defender.
Protege Zac Williams suggested Shaw could play on for a further three seasons if he wanted to, such has been the two-time All Australian's output in recent months, while other teammates have likened the veteran to movie character Benjamin Button.
"You always think about next year when you get to my age," Shaw said.
"I reckon if we were to win a premiership that might help me slide into retirement a bit easier.
"I won't say that I don't want to play on next year. I'm not 100 per cent sure that I do.
"The body is feeling really good now. If it was just purely based on the body then yeah, I could definitely play on.
"Once I lose the passion and/or the ability to compete at the highest level in two areas (training and games), I'll know my time is up."
I reckon if we were to win a premiership that might help me slide into retirement a bit easier - Heath Shaw
The defender will need to pull on the boots next season if he is to become the famous family's games record holder by bettering uncle Tony's mark of 313 matches.
Shaw and coach Leon Cameron are yet to discuss 2020 in depth, preferring to focus on more pressing issues like Saturday's clash with Gold Coast at Giants Stadium.
"We've got bigger fish to fry," Shaw said.
"The best thing about conversations with Leon is that we're always pretty honest and open."
Renowned for his creative run, Shaw has been stationed notably deeper in 2019 while generally manning one of the opposition's most dangerous forwards.
The shift, partly prompted by new 6-6-6 and runner rules, has been an unheralded but key part of the Giants' promising 7-3 start.
"It took me a bit of time to adjust and embrace the role but I've really grown into it, I'm enjoying it," Shaw said.
He had some nerves and doubts upon returning from knee surgery, but is now reaping the benefits of the setback suffered last August.
"The best part about my injury was that I had eight weeks off running. The rest of the body got a rest," he said.
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