Former Collingwood star, now GWS Giants vice-captain, Heath Shaw, says he wants his new team to follow in the footsteps of the Gold Coast SUNS.

Speaking in Sydney prior to heading to the coast for Saturday afternoon’s game at Metricon Stadium, Shaw praised the Suns progression.

"You look at where they've come from, and we want to follow their program,” the former Magpie said.

"They've progressed every year and improved every year and we definitely want to do that.

"They're a good team; they've knocked off some finals contenders last year and coming into this year, so they're in good form and it's a great test for us."

Accustomed to playing in the showpiece game in this round, Shaw said he is looking forward to testing out the ever-growing rivalry between the AFL’s expansion clubs.

"Obviously ANZAC Day on Friday, that's usually a massive game and one you usually pencil in to want to play.

"So now I'm going to have to change the schedule and pencil in the Gold Coast and obviously (games against) Sydney, as well.

"It seems like there's the Sydney rivalry against the Swans and this is a new expansion club. I think there's a bit of a rivalry there.

"But I'll see how I go on Saturday when I'm out there.

The Giants won the first ever battle against the GC SUNS in Canberra early in 2012, but since then Gold Coast has comfortably accounted for its ‘little brother’ winning by 44 and 83 points in each of the matches in 2013.

But Shaw rates the Giants’ chances this weekend.

"Hopefully we can get one over them. If we do everything right, we'll give ourselves a big chance."