Speaking the day before the game, Shaw said the Magpies would not keep any cards up their sleeve despite the chance that the two sides could meet again when the stakes were higher in September.
“Not at all. We want to win this game. We go out there to win every week and we want to beat Geelong,” he said.
“We want to stay on top of the ladder and we want to get another four points, so we’re going out there and we are going to test our structure and stick to our game plan and hopefully get a win.”
Shaw said the Pies gave themselves every chance against the reigning premiers.
“I don’t think we’ve been on the top of the ladder when we’ve played them before. I suppose with the list and the depth we’ve got there are a lot of players missing out this week that could easily come in. It’s a good position to be in and I think the 22 that run out there will do the job.”
Shaw returns to the side this week after missing the last two matches with a back injury. He says he is right to play, as is Sharrod Wellingham, who looked to have severely injured his knee in last week’s win over Carlton.
“I’ve timed it pretty well. It’s a massive game and I’ve missed the last two weeks. But I’m feeling good and ready to go,” Shaw said.
Wellingham trained strongly with the group on Friday morning and Shaw said he should be fine to line up against the Cats.
“He’s done well. He has gone from missing the season to playing this week. He was fine. They were just a bit cautious last week and he is fine. He will be playing tomorrow night.”
Collingwood is in red hot form at the moment but one of few concerns for the team is Travis Cloke’s kicking for goal. The big forward kicked 2.5 last week but Shaw said he was confident he would straighten up.
“I think with Trav the good thing is he was getting the ball last week and was having those shots on goal. It will all click together sooner or later,” he said.
“He is a good player and is an important player for us. If he is having seven shots on goal every week, that is a bonus for us. Hopefully he kicks straight tomorrow night and we have a nice win.”
