CTV > Dale Thomas talks to CTV after the game

CTV > See the boys singing the song after the victory

COLLINGWOOD defender Heath Shaw believes the Magpies' 29-point win over the Sydney Swans has given the side a much-needed confidence boost after a disappointing fortnight that led into the mid-season break.

Shaw, 22, said the Pies would take some self-belief from Saturday night's result after falling to Carlton and the Western Bulldogs in their previous two matches.

"It not only sets us up for the rest of the year but it gives us confidence going into the next few weeks, and keeping that top four spot alive as well," he said, at Melbourne Airport on Sunday after the Pies arrived home.

"We got through the game with no injuries and came out with a pretty good win, so we'll be confident going into this week as well."

Shaw also said the win gave the players confidence in their ability to cover the loss of Anthony Rocca and fellow tall forward Ben Reid, who both suffered serious injuries in round 13.

"It gave opportunities to a couple of young guys like John Anthony to come into the team, and Cameron Wood and Chris Bryan up forward really gave us a target up there," he said.

"It's good for the team balance and I suppose it's good that we can back up those guys that are missing and hopefully they can continue that for the rest of the year as well."

He also praised the performance of veteran defender Shane Wakelin, who kept forward Barry Hall to just one goal after exasperating the temperamental Swan all evening.

"If you get any player off their game and a bit frustrated, then they start thinking about the player rather than the ball, and that's obviously a bonus," he said.

"'Wakes' uses that to his advantage and it's worked for him in the past, and it worked for him last night.

"Keeping Barry under wraps helped the team, and 'Wakes' did his job and we came out with the win, which is the main thing."

The win over Sydney is just the third time the Magpies have beaten a side in the current top eight. But, Shaw said their record against in-form sides this season is not one troubling the players. 

"We go into every game thinking that we can beat anyone on any given day, so that's a good thing for us," he said.

"We've beaten Geelong but at the same time, we've lost to Carlton. We go into every game confident, and to make the finals at the end of the year is our goal.