Speaking to the media ahead of the club’s departure to Melbourne, Shaw believed Headland’s resilience would be demonstrated on Sunday following the tribunal wash up and the loss of a close family member.
“It’s been not only emotional for Des but all parties, and I stress all parties,” Shaw said.
“Chris (Connolly) has been happy to pick him, it was unanimous that we pick him and the club is very comfortable with him.
“He’s been a terrific footy player for our club. He has been asked to do a new role this year in a genuine midfield role – not a wing or a flanker.”
Shaw said the club had maintained its focus on this weekend’s game, as the club planned and prepared to tackle Melbourne at the MCG.
“Ninety five per cent of our football club kept out of it, which was good. That was led by Chris (Connolly), our (acting) CEO Gary Walton and our Captains. They focussed all week.
“We haven’t forgotten we are 0-3. We’ve been close but no cigar and that’s not good enough.
“We had a very small section of the club focussing on the events of the week and the vast majority looking at the ladder and saying, “0-3,” and that’s the way it had to be.
“This is a very serious game of football (coming up on Sunday). Can you underestimate the Melbourne Football Club at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in a desperation game? Unfortunately no.”
Daniel Gilmore will assist big man Aaron Sandilands with ruck duties on Sunday after the coaches opted to give West Perth young gun Robert Warnock another week in the WAFL. Warnock was initially named in the 25 man squad yesterday but will now line up for the Falcons in their clash with East Fremantle on Saturday.
Shaw said the club had been impressed with Gilmore’s ruck performances this season.
“We’ve been very pleased with Gilmore’s development,” he said.
“He’s done a lot of ruckwork. He’s a 6’4” kid with great mobility.”
