Magpie Shaw more likely to leave than stay: manager
Heath Shaw more likely to leave Pies than stay, manager says
COLLINGWOOD defender Heath Shaw is "more likely" to leave the Magpies than stay, manager Ben Niall says.
Speaking to
AFL.com.au's Gillette Trade Radio, Niall said that while nothing could be ruled out ahead of the start of free agency period on Friday, the likelihood was that Shaw would switch clubs.
Niall wouldn't name the clubs interested in the 2010 premiership defender but conceded some were flag contenders.
Shaw, Pies agree to explore fresh start"We're talking to a number of clubs and we're going through a process that you would expect us to go through.
"We're more likely to go than stay, is what I would say.
"I wouldn't rule out [staying] completely … but he's more likely to go than stay."
Niall said Shaw, 27, could play at the highest level for another five years.
Melbourne, under new coach Paul Roos, is one club to have publicly expressed some interest in Shaw.
Other reported suitors include Greater Western Sydney and Port Adelaide.
There remains a slim chance that Shaw could remain at Collingwood and the club has said the defender would not be delisted if a suitable trade could not be found.
He denied his relationship with Shaw had influenced the decision for both parties to see what offers were out there.
"We've got a pretty strong relationship," Buckley told Channel Nine's Footy Classified last week.
"I've been open and honest with Heater over the last couple of years as senior coach and a couple of years before that as assistant. He's under no illusions where he sits.
"The decision to have a look elsewhere has been made and now we have to find an arrangement that suits both parties.
"I think it just comes to that point in time where the relationship reaches a point where you go one way or another.
"Heater's pretty keen to explore his options and the club the same."