Veteran Greater Western Sydney defender Heath Shaw has opened up on the battles he faced throughout last season.

Despite making a Preliminary Final and playing in all 25 games, the 31-year-old says those factors couldn’t block out the challenges he faced in 2017.

“It was probably one of the most mentally draining years I’ve had in the AFL,” Shaw told SEN’s Whateley.

“I found it pretty hard throughout the year and it probably showed with my form.

“It was hard work. Week in, week out, it was tough stuff and we managed to find our way into a Prelim final, and even then, it was still really hard.

“I found it really hard to back up under a fair bit of duress. My consistency wasn’t there and it all took its toll.”

However, Shaw is now ready to put last season in the back mirror, and look ahead to the new campaign.

“That year has passed and now we have a fresh new look at 2018,” he said.

“The break, I took full advantage of that 10 weeks off and tried to rejuvenate heading into this year.

“This year is a fresh approach, a little bit more of going with the flow and I’m excited about getting back into it.”

Shaw averaged 20.6 disposals last season, the least of his GWS career and since 2013.

The Giants begin their 2018 season against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday March 25.