Heath Shaw might seem like he doesn't take anything in life too seriously, but even the GIANTS veteran admitted to being emotional ahead of his 300th game this weekend.
Shaw understands the significance of his milestone, but in recent weeks he's made light of the occasion in his usual way.
However, with the match just days away and the footy world recognising him in different ways, Shaw's mood has changed.
The GIANTS have organised a special tribute video for Shaw that features AFL stars and greats, from his brother Rhyce, his 2010 premiership coach Mick Malthouse, former teammate Dale Thomas, to long-time rival Eddie Betts.
It made the 33-year-old reflect on what he's about to achieve.
"There's been a lot of messages floating through from people I haven't spoken to in a long time, or people I've impacted over the years," he said on Wednesday.
"A couple of those messages have been really, really nice, and it's great to get that recognition.
"I'm looking forward to Saturday, enjoying the week and the build-up, and running out with 21 of my teammates.
"Mick said in the video we watched he didn't think I'd get past year one, let alone get to 300 games.
"It's been great, it's been good fun, and there's been two clubs involved in that, and lots of people throughout the journey.
"I was a 28-year-old who was a bit loose on and off the field, and I came to a club that had won one game the year before. It was a risk for both of us, but I think it's paid off.
"I've enjoyed every minute of it."
Shaw's decision to part ways with Collingwood at the end of the 2013 season raised some eyebrows given his rich family history with the club.
His father Ray, uncles Tony and Neville, and brother Rhyce all pulled on the black-and-white jumper.
The Shaw name was royalty at the Magpies.
However, Shaw believes the move interstate reinvigorated his career, and with a club champion award and two All Australian selections on his resume, few could argue.
"To be able to be part of the history of the GIANTS has been great," he said.
"It gave me that second wind in my football career because I was a bit stale and an angry footballer towards the end of my tenure at Collingwood.
"I never thought I'd be a two-club player, I thought I'd be a one-club player for Collingwood and finish there as a premiership player, then move on.
"I'd say I was a risk for both parties.
"I was a 28-year-old who was a bit loose on and off the field, and I came to a club that had won one game the year before.
"It was a risk for both of us, but I think it's paid off and I'm proud of the way its panned out."
The celebrations of Shaw's big night will be subdued if the GIANTS can't beat the Power at Adelaide oval, and he's more than aware that his team's crucial four points carries more significance than his 300 games.
The GIANTS snapped a three-game losing streak with an outstanding display against the Pies last week, built on the back of a stunning eight-goal opening term, but must maintain those standards to get past Port and keep their top four chances alive.
"Leon and I sat in the rooms after the game and talked about how we wish we could bottle the energy we had for that first quarter," he said.
"That’s a million-dollar question.
"It’s a hard caper and no doubt Port are going to be up and about.
"They’ve shown this year that they can play some good football, but we’re going to go about our business the way we do and hopefully we can get similar result to what we had on the weekend."
