Veteran defender Heath Shaw admits GWS’ rise in the AFL has exceeded his expectations.

Shaw, who moved from Collingwood at the end of 2013, is preparing to line up for the Giants in their first-ever preliminary final on Saturday when they meet Western Bulldogs at Spotless Stadium.

He reflected on Wednesday on the improvement in two seasons since he joined them.

“I knew there was obviously the talent, but they were 19-20 when I first got here … so my expectations were pretty low going into my first year here,” Shaw said.