The only downside for premiership-winning defender Heath Shaw is that he hasn't been joined at the Giants by former Collingwood teammate Alan Didak.

Shaw, 28, joined the Giants on a five-year deal as part of a radical overhaul of the Magpies' list, with fellow veterans Didak, Darren Jolly and Carlton recruit Dale Thomas also on the former players' list.

Didak was in talks with the Giants, but the 30-year-old forward was overlooked in last week's pre-season draft as well as during the free agency period. The two-time All Australian had managed only five senior appearances in 2013.

"It would've been good to have (Didak) up here ... it was pretty disappointing it didn't go through," Shaw said.

"He would've been a great asset to the young forwards the Giants have, but they couldn't get it done and we move on.

"When you get to 30 everyone thinks you're done, but he's got a lot of talent.

"Someone like him doesn't come around every day with that knowledge and talent.

"It's disappointing for him and 18 clubs missed out."

The Giants trained in Canberra on Tuesday on the final day of their community camp.

Shaw admitted he was "shattered" when first told he wouldn't be offered a new contract with Collingwood, but had embraced his move to the Giants.

The 173-game veteran was traded for exciting 20-year-old Giants midfielder Taylor Adams.

"It's the path (Buckley) chose. He wanted to go with a bit more youth and move a few players on," Shaw said.

"At the start, I was pretty shattered I was leaving, but in the end I've ended up at a great club."

The Giants won just a solitary game this year, but have added three premiership players - Shaw, ruckman Shane Mumford and Geelong defender Josh Hunt - to their abundance of top draft picks.

The move has allowed Shaw to be closer to his older brother, Sydney star Rhyce – even if right now they're too close.

"I needed somewhere to live," Heath Shaw said.

"I'm shacking up with him and his wife at the moment. They've been married for three weeks and they've got me living with them so they're rapt.

"He was very supportive of me and it's good to have him show me around the town."

Heath cited Rhyce's move to Sydney after nine seasons with Collingwood as proof a switch to a lower-profile city could work wonders on the field.

"My brother moved to the Swans when he was 27 and it was the best thing he ever did," Shaw said.

"Hopefully I can follow in the same path and get a premiership down the track.

"The success Sydney have had with recycled players is hopefully something the Giants can do as well."