The stats
AFL games: 23
Disposals per game: 23.1
Marks: 3.7
Kicks: 14.4
Tackles: 6.5
Total goals: 9
Review
Shiels’ 23.1 disposals per game this year were a career-high, as he assumed greater midfield responsibility in his 10th year in the brown and gold.
Impressively, Shiels’ improved offensive work was not at the detriment of his well-renowned tackling ability as he was again the Hawks’ leading tackler.
In fact, the 27-year-old laid more tackles than all bar five players in the league.
The on-baller’s best game this year came in the Round 17 loss to the Brisbane Lions, when the vice captain was one of the side’s shining lights gathering 34 disposals, 12 inside 50s, seven tackles and seven clearances.
With 166 games now under his belt, Shiels is one of the most experienced players on the list.
