Greater Western Sydney veteran Heath Shaw is best known outside the AFL club for his rebounding run, combative chirp and ability to read the play.
But Shaw's mentoring is what has made a huge impression on teammate Harry Perryman, who made his debut in round nine.
Perryman was mentored by Shaw as part of GWS's academy system last year. The bond has grown stronger since the teenager was selected with pick No.14 in last year's draft.
They officially became teammates last Saturday, when the Giants stormed home to grab a last-gasp win over Richmond.
"Before the game he was really good," Perryman said of Shaw.
"He's pretty casual, he just said 'just enjoy the moment, you only get a first game once so you should enjoy it'.
"He's pretty positive on the field as well. A lot of people don't see or hear what he does; he was directing me around and helping me a lot... he's a bloody good teammate to have."
Perryman produced two match-winning smothers in the frantic final minutes of the contest, which GWS won after booting the final six goals of the game.
"He's been keeping me in line, don't worry about that," Perryman laughed, when asked what Shaw's advice has been in recent days.
"He hasn't really said too much. He knows I'm pretty grounded, he just lets me do my own thing."
GWS coach Leon Cameron was full of praise for Perryman on the weekend, paying tribute to the way he stepped up amid the club's injury crisis.
Cameron will be forced to make two more changes for GWS's round-10 clash with West Coast on Sunday. Forwards Steve Johnson and Rory Lobb have been added to a long injury list.
Perryman is keen to test himself against an enraged Eagles, who will be desperate for redemption after a poor loss to Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
"It's going to be a tough game. They're going to be fired up so we'll have to be on," he said.
"We reviewed that game on Tuesday and the coach said we scrapped well but were lucky to get the win and get out of jail."
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