That's music to the ears of Greater Western Sydney recruit Heath Shaw.

The former Collingwood premiership defender will make his first appearance for the Giants in the NAB Challenge against the Sydney Swans.

''I'm the only new recruit at No. 23 now so I'm pretty happy about that,'' Shaw joked.

''No doubt the people in Canberra would have loved to have seen Buddy out there. ''He's a prized recruit for Sydney and he's a massive name in the AFL world, but everyone has their own path leading into round one.

''We've got a few guys that won't be playing in the first NAB Challenge game, but we're taking a fairly strong team.''

Along with Shaw, the Giants will also unveil ex-Swans Shane Mumford and Jed Lamb, Geelong's Josh Hunt and Dylan Addison from the Western Bulldogs.

Former No. 1 draft pick Jonathon Patton will return from an ACL operation after round three last year, while the most recent top selection Tom Boyd will be rested.

Shaw brings a wealth of experience to the Giants having played 173 games in 10 seasons for the Magpies before joining the club as a free agent.

''It is going to be a bit weird having been at the same club for so long now [and] moving on,'' he said.

''I'm looking forward to building up this group and improving week in and week out and being more consistent than we have in the past.''

The Giants won just one game last year, but have higher expectations going into their third season in the competition.

Boyd, 18, the No. 1 draft pick, is an exciting proposition.

''I'm sure Tom will feature in the NAB Challenge series. You don't want to overload these guys in the first year of senior footy.

''You want to nurse them through the year and make sure they get through unscathed.''

Shaw's move to Sydney has reunited him with elder brother, Swans defender Rhyce.

They even lived together for three months when Heath first relocated to Sydney.

''Rhyce and his wife were only married for two weeks when I moved in, so that was the perfect wedding gift for them,'' Heath laughed.

THURSDAY: NAB Challenge: GWS Giants v Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval, 7.10pm.