Collingwood AFL coach Nathan Buckley says he doesn't mind Heath Shaw's on-field outbursts because they show he cares passionately for his team.
Buckley admits the fiery half-back struggled in last week's win over Adelaide but says he has no concerns about seeing the 165-game veteran involved in arguments with teammates.
"He had a poor game," Buckley told a media conference on Wednesday.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve.
"When he's disappointed you know about it. When he's happy you know about it.
"Managing that is not difficult because we know his intentions are for the betterment of the team.
"I'm glad it continues to mean something to him.
"If he was flat and lifeless and didn't give anything I'd be worried."
Buckley has guided the Magpies to seventh spot after 16 rounds, despite a wave of injuries and an avalanche of media speculation that the second-year coach's methods had met with strong resistance from so-called "Rat Pack" members such as 2010 premiership trio Shaw, Dane Swan and Ben Johnson.
Buckley paid tribute to 32-year-old Johnson, who retired on Monday after a 235-game career that included two runner-up finishes in the club best and fairest award.
"He can leave his AFL experience with his head held high," Buckley said.
"He has probably been one of the leaders outside the leaders. He has always had his teammates' back.
"You need to find that from somewhere because it's real heart-and-soul dedication to the playing group and to the cause.
"We need other little Ben Johnsons to pop up with the same passion and drive that he had."
Buckley said he had tried a month ago to talk an exhausted Johnson out of retirement.
"We addressed it again last week and I agreed and he was happy to make that call and let his teammates know," Buckley said.
Buckley smiled when asked if Johnson's departure marked an end to Collingwood's "Rat Pack".
"There's plenty of little packs in our larger pack, whatever you want to call them," Buckley said.
"Blokes who are drawn to each other, different personality types who tend to hang around each other.
"That's the beauty of the environment of a football club. It takes all types."
Buckley said reigning club champion Dayne Beams was in good shape for Saturday's clash with Gold Coast after playing his first senior game of an injury-interrupted season, claiming 25 disposals against Adelaide.
Collingwood are working with Travis Cloke to fine-tune his aggressive style following consultation with the AFL's umpiring department.
The big left-footer booted 2.5 against Adelaide and conceded four free kicks in marking contests.
"He wins his contests by too much," Buckley said.
"Once he has a player out of position (he wants) to continue to have them out of position before coming back to the ball.
"Matty Lappin our forwards coach has contacted the umpiring department and we've got a few tips and we'll work on it."
AAP gab/rhv/
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