DUAL All Australian and Greater Western Sydney defender Heath Shaw is set to play this week to start what may be his final season, although he hopes that isn't the case.

Shaw, 33, had his 2018 prematurely ended by a left knee injury suffered against Adelaide in round 21 that required surgery.

He will line up against Sydney on Saturday night in Blacktown but told reporters his future beyond this year remains uncertain.

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"I can't really say whether this will be my last year or not," Shaw said.

"I'm not planning on this being my last (season) but I'm not naive to the fact that it might be.

"I think I'll know towards the end of this year whether it's going to be my last or not.

"I've had some good conversations with (coach) Leon (Cameron) and we're just playing it by ear. To be honest, I just plan on playing 22-25 games, and that's all I'm worried about."

The feisty backman has lined up in 282 career matches.

GWS is doing what it can to prolong his career. During the 2018 pre-season, Shaw wasn't required back at the club until January as he took an extended break.

His recovery from the knee issue meant he was at club headquarters more often, while still on a limited program.

It seems Shaw has made good use of his free time. 

"Obviously I put a lot of time and effort into these sort of things. Most of them are done during Leon meetings," Shaw said, tongue-in-cheek. 

"I don't really pay much attention to him. I use my time very wisely while I'm at the club."