Consistently inconsistent Heath Shaw has been fantasy relevant since day dot, averaging at least 80 points since his second season in 2006. While the veteran has only delivered one 100+ year, he's been a reliable, set-and-forget defender. Despite his age, Shaw was one of the quartet to play every game last season, with seven games above 100 and five below 60. Shaw will take leadership reigns in the GWS backline once again. Expect a rest or two with age, and expect prized draftee Lachie Ash to be gunning for the ex-Pie's role. Shaw's value has peaked, so don't expect a resurrection. Still in the top half of defensive stocks in what's likely his final season, take him with a pick in the latter third of the draft.
Heater still burning
Consistently inconsistent Heath Shaw has been fantasy relevant since day dot, averaging at least 80 points since his second season in 2006. While the veteran has only delivered one 100+ year, he's been a reliable, set-and-forget defender. Despite his age, Shaw was one of the quartet to play every game last season, with seven games above 100 and five below 60. Shaw will take leadership reigns in the GWS backline once again. Expect a rest or two with age, and expect prized draftee Lachie Ash to be gunning for the ex-Pie's role. Shaw's value has peaked, so don't expect a resurrection. Still in the top half of defensive stocks in what's likely his final season, take him with a pick in the latter third of the draft.
Heath Shaw will carry the hopes of a lot of fantasy coaches into 2019, who are counting on him to bounce back to the same levels as his previous full campaign following an ACL rupture last preseason which saw him miss the entire home & away series. Lachie Whitfield was the main replacement at half back, though it looks very much like he will return to his favoured wing position to allow Williams to do his thing, which mostly consists of highlight-reel scoots up the guts.
Heater still has fire
A dual All Australian, Heath Shaw enjoyed another productive season developing attack from the half back flank, the former Magpie led the rebound 50 count for the league and amassed the fourth most metres gained last season. Like a fine wine, Shaw has produced his most consistent football since passing the age of 30. He required surgery for a knee injury suffered in round 20, but returned to the track to compete in the Giants' annual 2km time trial. Leading the defensive unit, Shaw will have to adapt to the return of fellow rebounder Zac Williams, as the last time they played together in 2017 was his worst set of numbers as a Giant. Rule changes may present an opportunity: often responsible for kick-ins, the advantageous alteration to the play-on laws may see an increase in his kicks from the set play. An outstanding fantasy selection in a position without a lot of sure things, grab him within the first few rounds.
Heath Shaw ticks a lot of boxes for fantasy coaches. One game in so he hasn't started moving in price in most salary cap comps, tick. Mature-aged player, tick. Plays in a dominant team, tick. Plays in a lucrative role, tick. Decent short-term job security due to injuries elsewhere on the list, tick. Scored heavily in game one, tick. Bringing him in this week is not too early, especially in AFL Dream Team, and he should have been a free agent pool pickup special this week in your draft leagues. A game against the lowly Blues tantalises the senses.
Shaw no sure thing
Heath Shaw is possibly the most frustrating fantasy player in the competition. Coaches were delighted with his round 1 score of 143 n Dream Team and 139 in Supercoach, but he has since managed just two DT/SC tons in the next 10 rounds.
Some of his most recent scores - 48, 67 and 49 in DT - are the reason his price has plummeted by over $88,000 to date. These low scores show his inability to cop a forward tag, meaning that he is rarely able to indulge in cheap kicks across the backline.
Now priced at a modest $277,000 in DT, Shaw could prove to be a great buy as we know he is well capable of huge 100s.
by g_dawwg
Shaw unsure of future role
Heath Shaw has had his fair share of trouble in the last 12 months, whether it be behind the wheel of his infamous black ute, questioning umpiring decisions with a touch and feel method, as well as being dogged by persistent hamstring problems.
This being said, recent form may suggest he has put such indiscretions behind him, as his Dream Team average since returning from injury and suspension has been a very respectable 94.
With the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Leon Davis running riot in the Pies midfield, it seems increasingly unlikely that Shaw will receive a tag, so being allowed to run free in the second half of the season may see Shaw return to his damaging best.
