GREATER Western Sydney defender Heath Shaw will be punished for his latest off-field indiscretion when he returns to the club for pre-season training next month.

Shaw was locked up in Melbourne on the morning of the Grand Final after being involved in a drunken verbal altercation with police.

The 28-year-old was a passenger in a car that was pulled over in Malvern Rd, Toorak, during the early hours of Saturday morning.

Shaw's antics resulted in him being taken to the St Kilda police station, where he was detained for a number of hours.

He was released without charge after being handed a $590 penalty notice for drunken behaviour.

Shaw, who joined Greater Western Sydney from Collingwood in last year's trade period, later fessed up to the club, and the Giants then informed the AFL.

"We have spoken to Heath about his behaviour and his responsibilities as a member of our leadership group," Giants chief executive David Matthews said.

"He accepts that he let himself down on this occasion and that his behaviour was unacceptable.

"We are disappointed with what happened and so is he and we have agreed that he will undergo counselling.

"We have also agreed to consider the matter further when he returns to the club after his current leave period."

Shaw is no stranger to off-field controversy.

He missed the last part of the 2008 season after a drink-driving saga that also involved teammate Alan Didak.

In 2011, he was suspended for eight matches and fined $20,000 after having a $10 bet on Magpies skipper Nick Maxwell to kick the first goal in a match against Adelaide.