GREATER Western Sydney defender Heath Shaw won't be getting any special treatment from the Sydney Swans this week, despite his impressive form in the season to date.
Shaw has had 68 more kicks than any other player in the competition and 18 more rebound 50s after leading both categories at the end of last season, when he won the Giants' best and fairest.
The backman provides enormous drive for GWS and averages over 600 metres gained per match, ranked second behind Port Adelaide's Jasper Pittard, with fellow Giant Nathan Wilson ranked fifth.
Swan Ben McGlynn told reporters on Wednesday that his side couldn't afford to focus too much on Shaw in Sunday afternoon's derby at Spotless Stadium, because the GWS backline contained plenty of attacking defenders.
"He's a great player and a leader of their defensive six," McGlynn said of Shaw.
"He starts their rebound so we need to keep a close eye on him, but we need to respect all of them.
"Like all their back six, we'll put a bit of work into them and hopefully not let them get too much of the footy.
"As a team we just need to put pressure on them."
McGlynn and teammate Gary Rohan have both overcome some frustrating soft tissue injuries over the past 18 months, but are key players inside the Swans' attacking 50 with their defensive acts.
The former Hawk will play his ninth game of the year against the Giants, matching the total he managed in 2015 because of recurring calf problems, while Rohan has played the past three matches after being placed on the long term injury list earlier this year to get over a persistent hamstring issue.
The speedy pair have worked hard on a special running program – done barefoot before training sessions - designed by Swans conditioning staff to strengthen their legs and McGlynn said he'd noticed the massive difference.
"The barefoot (aspect) is just give a little more stability in the ankles and calves and the Achilles," he said.
"It's a bit different but I'm getting the rewards from it, the strength in my legs is something I've noticed coming into games, and I've been pulling up well too.
Ben McGlynn goes through his paces at Swans training at the SCG on Wednesday. Picture: Getty Images
"I put in a good block (of training) over summer to put myself in good stead to be resilient throughout the year and I'm seeing the benefits so far."
Athletic forward Sam Reid failed to train with the main group at the SCG on Wednesday, instead running laps, but will look to get on the track on Friday in a bid to face GWS in what would be his first outing of the season.
The 24-year-old has played the past two matches in the NEAFL after overcoming a hamstring injury, but only played a half against Gold Coast last week because of a tight Achilles.
Coach John Longmire said on Tuesday that Reid was withdrawn from the match only as a precaution.
Key defender Heath Grundy and emerging star Isaac Heeney were also on light duties but are certainties to play in the 10th edition of the Sydney derby.
