Greater Western Sydney veteran Shaw apologised on Sunday morning after a sledge he made towards Sydney's Tom Papley was picked up by Fox Footy microphones during the Giants' win over the Swans on Saturday night at the SCG.

Shaw said that his fiery nature was no excuse for labelling Papley a "f---ing retard".

While Hardwick suggested that Shaw would feel "embarrassed" by the incident, he also pondered whether broadcasters needed to have access to player noise.

"I think Heath would probably be a little bit embarrassed by it. It probably begs the question more so, do we really need mics for the players," Hardwick said on Sunday.

"Is it Heath's problem, or is it the broadcasters' problem?

"Heath's got a responsibility, but I think the broadcasters do as well.

"[The broadcasters have] got a delay button they can probably press. We don't want to hear swearing and all these type of matters with kids watching on TV."

Shaw's comments on Saturday night were picked up by the umpire's microphone.

The AFLPA did not share Hardwick's view. "The AFL Players' Association supports the use of on-field microphones on the basis they bring fans closer to the game and provide a better spectacle for viewers," general manager of player relations Brett Murphy told Fairfax Media.

"While from time to time on-field microphones will pick up on inappropriate comments and language – and to his credit, Heath immediately and appropriately apologised for his comments – the players recognise the valuable role these microphones play in the promotion and betterment of the game.

"Given Heath's immediate and genuine apology, and the access players provide through the use of the microphones, we would expect this will be the end of the matter."

Shaw's comments became a talking point on social media on Saturday night, with the former Collingwood star getting on the front foot with his mea culpa on Sunday morning.

"I want to apologise for the insensitive comment I made to Tom Papley during last night's game," Shaw said in a statement on the Giants' website.

"Yes I am a fiery person who plays with a lot of passion and emotion but that is no excuse for my actions last night.

"I apologise to Tom and anyone else who took offence to my comments, I deeply regret them.

"There is no place for comments of that nature on or off the football ground. It was an offensive remark that I should never have made and for that I apologise."

It was the second times in two derbies the Giants have been embroiled in a sledging incident. Giants ruckman Shane Mumford also found himself in hot water after last year's qualifying final win over the Swans, when he levelled a mental-health related comment at Sydney superstar Lance Franklin, who has had mental health issues.

Mumford later apologised to Franklin, and escaped sanction from the AFL and the club.

Saturday night's derby was an action-packed contest, and extended Sydney's horror start to the year, which left them at the foot of the AFL ladder. Four-goal Giants star Toby Greene was reported for rough conduct on Isaac Heeney in the first quarter while Swans pair Heath Grundy and Josh Kennedy left the field with nasty head knocks.

Giant Josh Kelly picked up a left knee injury but is expected to be fit for Friday night's preliminary final rematch against the Western Bulldogs. Franklin also managed to kick his 800th career goal in the 42-point loss.