Greater Western Sydney defender Heath Shaw says it is impossible to keep sledging out of the AFL

SERIAL sledger Heath Shaw, who found himself in hot water earlier in the season, says it’s impossible to keep the insults traded by players out of the game.

Harry Perryman fires off a handball in the NEAFL. Picture: Getty Images

Serial sledger Heath Shaw says it’s impossible to keep the insults traded by players out of the game.

The tactic of putting an opposition player off their game by verbally attacking them has come under fire again after St Kilda players made derogatory comments directed at Carlton captain Marc Murphy’s wife in the Saints win over the Blues.

Shaw himself was forced to apologise for his tasteless comments in the Sydney derby when he called Swans opponent Tom Papley a ‘f … ing retard’.

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“I’m not someone who shies away from sledging,” Shaw said.

“I’ve done it for most of my career and got myself in trouble along the way. I don’t think it’s possible to stamp in out. You can’t control what happens in the heat of the moment for players.

“We’re out there for two hours and ramped up that the opposition is the enemy and we are going to war.

Heath Shaw says it is impossible to keep sledging out of the AFL. Picture: Getty Images

“We want to beat them at any cost and we’ll do whatever we can to win a game of footy, during the game you are making hundreds of decisions on where to stand, to kick, to mark or to spoil and sometimes a slip of the tongue and a sledge comes out and maybe straight away you regret what you said.”

Shaw’s comments in the round five match at the SCG were clearly audible in the TV coverage.

“It is a part of the game,” Shaw said.

“No matter what people say it will be but if you go too far there is a line you probably shouldn’t cross. But there are 800 guys (in the AFL) and guys are going to make mistakes.”

While Shaw’s mouth is known to get him in trouble his strength of personality has also made him one of the key leaders at GWS and mentor to young players at the club.

One of those is first round draft pick Harry Perryman, who will make his debut against Richmond at Spotless Stadium on Saturday.

The 14th pick comes from the tiny Riverina town of Collingullie where he played in back-to-back premierships (2014 and 2015) with Giants teammate Matt Kennedy.

Perryman expects the numbers at the game to be boosted by a bye for Collingullie-Glenfield Park on Saturday.

Matt Kennedy and Harry Perryman with 2015 premiership cup playing for Collingullie in Riverina Football League.

“I think there will a fair few of them coming,’’ Perryman said.

“There’s about 400 (population) and they’ll probably all be here.”

Perryman grew up worshipping Shaw in his Collingwood days and even chose the number 36 because it was worn by Magpie Brownlow medallist Dane Swan.

“Yes we’ve got a few injuries but he deserves his spot in the team,” Shaw said.

“It’s great to have him on board and I taught him everything he knows.”

Originally published as Greater Western Sydney defender Heath Shaw says it is impossible to keep sledging out of the AFL