Following his move from Collingwood ahead of the 2009 season, Shaw had a dream run with injury over his first four years in Sydney, missing just two of a possible 95 games.
But last season abdominal and knee injuries kept him to just six appearances and he then spent another month on the sidelines between rounds 15-18 this year with an ankle complaint.
Off contract at season's end, the 32-year-old just wants to play some consistent football before determining if he will play on into a 15th season next year.
"The last couple of years, obviously being injured, all I've wanted to do is just play footy and take every week as it comes," he told reporters at the SCG on Thursday.
"I know it's a cliché, but getting to my age you just want to make sure every game counts and that's what I'm trying to do at the moment.
"I got back in the team last week and hopefully will take another step forward this week and just look forward to the end of the year.
"We're in a pretty good spot at the moment, but all of that is weighed up at the end of the year and what the club wants to do – and if my old body can get through."
Working alongside Shaw throughout his latest rehabilitation was Swans midfielder Dan Hannebery, who will return from a six-game stretch on the sidelines in Saturday's away clash with Port Adelaide.
Shaw aims to build his fitness in his second game back from his latest ailment and says Hannebery has done all he can to aid his own recovery.
"I'm getting used to coming back from injuries," Shaw said. "It's been two years of bloody injuries.
"But we worked really hard, Hanners was working just as hard as I was, he's just taken a little bit longer.
"He's got it right, he's 100 per cent, and I know he's going to put on a good show this week."
The two sides produced one of the games of the year back in round 13, when Lance Franklin kicked the Swans' last five goals in a four-point victory at the SCG.
Heading into that game, the Power had a 10-1 record and sat two wins clear atop the AFL ladder.
Defeat to the Swans that day, however, has sparked a run of just two victories over their next seven games to slip to fifth with just four matches left before the finals.
While Port's form may have fluctuated, Shaw won't be taking them lightly at Adelaide Oval.
"You take a bit out of it," he said of the Swans' last clash with the Power. "To be honest, it was probably the hardest game we played all year.
"They're a very good side, they work really hard, they stick to their structures really well and they're really well drilled.
"We're looking forward to coming up against that again and, especially over there, getting the four points."
Shaw was also quizzed over the viral meningitis outbreak at the Power that has struck down three players and whether that had any concerns for the Swans.
"No, no, it should be right mate," Shaw said.
"I lived with my brother (GWS defender Heath Shaw) for 15 years and he's the most unhygienic bloke I've ever met.
"So I should be sweet."
Twitter: @AFL_JD
