Heath Shaw says he will retire if GWS Giants win 2019 premiership

WATCH: GWS Giants veteran Heath Shaw celebrated his 300th milestone in typical style at a press conference, but uncertainty remains over his future.

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One of the AFL’s true characters, Heath Shaw has strongly hinted at retirement if the GWS Giants breakthrough for a maiden premiership.

Dressed in a Giants jacket, tie and collared shirt up top, and footy shorts, socks and boots downstairs, Shaw reflected on the 300-game milestone he will bring up this Saturday night against Port Adelaide in his classic jokester style.

Shaw said he’s only ever serious for the two hours of game time each weekend, and it’s this lightheartedness which has helped shape the rise of the start-up team that wasn’t even around when he launched his career as a premiership player at Collingwood.

GWS prepared a video tribute for him to show the playing group, with former Magpies coach Mick Malthouse and teammate Dale Thomas and long-time rival Eddie Betts among those honouring his career.

The All-Australian defender has yet to make a decision on whether or not he will play on in 2020 and chase uncle Tony’s, Shaw family record of 313 matches.

Shaw, 33, indicated his mind would be made to hang up his boots if the Giants can lift to a maiden premiership.

Heath Shaw will play his 300th AFL game against Port. Picture: Toby Zerna

“I've still got a bit of unfinished business. But by unfinished business, I meant winning a premiership this year. Next year’s next year. I’m worried about this year,” he said.

“To be brutally honest. If we were to win the premiership this year I can honestly say you will never see me again.

“Because I’ll be floating off, I’ll be partying somewhere for at least a year. That’s the aim.

“The aim is to win a premiership. It’s been my aim since I got to the Giants. We’ve gradually built over five years so that’s the aim — this year — and next year will look after itself.”

Shaw is from a famous footy family and acknowledged the impact of uncle Tony, father Ray and brother — North Melbourne caretaker coach Rhyce — on his career in what he admits has been an emotional week.

But the 300th press conference wasn’t without some trademark jibes, mostly directed at his family.

“I definitely rank myself No.1, there’s no doubt there,” he said.

“I think it was after my 200th game I was talking to dad. I said, ‘200 isn’t a bad effort.’ He’s like, ‘don’t count your games, make your games count.’

Shaw isn’t slowing down. Pic: Getty Images

“I said to him, ‘that’s what people say who don’t get to 200.’

“They all want tickets and they want me to fly them over business class and everything. It's going to be an expensive weekend for me.

“I’ve actually helped (Rhyce) out a lot more this year and the reason why the Kangaroos are winning is probably because of me — feeding him information every week.”

He says the Shaw family is proud of him, and he’s proud of the leadership role he’s played at GWS.

“There’s still kids coming in 17 years old and I’m still kicking around with them,” said Shaw.

“It gives you a new lease of life every year.”