Vice-Captain Heath Shaw will make his return from injury against Richmond on Saturday at the MCG.

Shaw suffered concussion in a heavy clash with Kurt Tippett during the GIANTS’ Round 15 encounter with the Swans at the SCG.

After four weeks on the sidelines, Shaw has been given the all clear to return to the field with the veteran defender declaring himself ready to go.

“I’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting to get back out there, it’s a bit frustrating but I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

“I sort of had this fixture after the bye in my mind and everything’s got the tick of approval so I’m ready to go.”

Shaw wore some interesting headwear as he faced the media today - a bright orange cricket helmet given to him by former test cricketer and GIANTS Player Development Coodinator Simon Katich.

“I’m just waiting for AFL approval for the new headwear,” Shaw joked. “But as long as Leon picks me, I’ve ticked all the boxes the last few weeks and had the final big hit out today. 

“I’ve pulled up well and am up for selection this week.”

Scans after the incident revealed the 28-year-old sustained a small brain bleed and the club took a cautious approach with his return.

“When it first happened it was the unknown and there’s nothing to speed up the process at all,” Shaw said.

“I thought I was ok a couple of days later but the seriousness of what actually happened was pretty full on and sends a bit of a fright. 

“But now, waiting that four-five weeks and doing everything right to get back and fully training today has given me confidence to go into it.”

Shaw dismissed suggestions the clash would make him cautious when he returns to the field at the MCG on Saturday.

“Once across that white line I’m ready to go,” he said.

“It’s purely instinct and I won’t be thinking about going in hard when I’m out there, I just do what I have to do and play footy and that’s the way it is.”

The last time these two sides met the GIANTS put in a dismal performance, losing by 113 points at home. With Richmond on a four-game winning streak, Shaw knows his side will need to be switched on from the very first siren.

“We’ve got to play a team that’s in really good form at the moment, who travelled to Perth and knocked off the Eagles over there,” he said.

“We’re coming off a bye and we’ve got to be on our toes from the word go.”