Tara Murray
AFL premiership player Heath Shaw is headed to Wallan this weekend.
The former Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney player will pull on the Wallan jumper for the club’s Riddell District Football League clash with Kyneton.
Magpies coach Daniel Nolan said it’s an exciting opportunity for the community to have some of the calibre of Shaw at the club.
Shaw played 325 AFL games, won a premiership with Collingwood and was a two-time All-Australian.
“He has a connection with a few boys at the club, in particular Chris Stewart from playing together last year at East Keilor,” Nolan said.
“We have a strong junior program at Wallan and the kids in the town are really excited to see Heath play.
“We have a fairly young side and are still developing, so to have the experience and leadership of Heath, it will be so valuable on and off the field.
“He is also planning on coming back later in the year for a sportsman’s night and to give some advice to the players-coaches in the lead up to finals.”
Shaw will wear the number 39 for Wallan, the number he made famous at Collingwood.
At the half way mark of the season, the Magpies sit in fourth spot, game behind the top three teams.
Kyneton sits in fifth spot, two games behind Wallan.
“It’s a huge game against Kyneton, who are new to our competition and are still a bit of the unknown,” Nolan said.
“They are well coached by Ethan Foreman and have talented players such as Harrison Huntley, Caleb Fisher and mid-season recruit Josh Smith.
“The ladder is extremely tight, which is fantastic for the competition, so these games become vital.
“It should be a great contest and hopefully a big crowd at Greenhill Reserve, Wallan.
