In brief
AFL matches: 22
Disposals per game: 21.6
Contested possessions per game: 8.2
Uncontested possessions per game: 13.4
Tackles per game: 7.4
Inside 50s per game: 3.7
Goals: 13
Review
TOUGH midfielder Liam Shiels continued to establish himself as a key component of Hawthorn’s star-studded midfield in a consistent 2015 season.
The 24-year-old played in all but four of the Hawks’ 26 games, winning a third premiership medal in the process.
Averaging almost 22 disposals per game, Shiels again proved his ball-winning capabilities, building on a strong 2014 season.
A player who occasionally goes under the radar, his value to the team was as more than just an in-and-under midfielder.
One of the club’s emerging leaders, Shiels also spent time at half-forward, on a wing, and playing in a lockdown role where required.
“This year I’ve been working on playing a number of different positions, not just getting stuck through the midfield,” he said in the lead-up to the Hawks’ 2015 finals campaign.
“I’ve spent a little bit of time on half forward and on the wing, which I really think has helped me.
“Most weeks now I’m just a ball hunter, but I think I’ve adapted my game now where if someone is getting on top through the midfield, that Clarko can swing me onto them in during a game.”
Shiels collected 25 or more disposals on eight occasions in 2015, and enjoyed a hot streak of form between Round 12 and Round 15, when he played important roles in wins against Adelaide Crows, Essendon, Fremantle and Sydney Swans.
An uncompromising competitor, Shiels was ranked third in the competition for tackles per game (7.4) and fifth at the Hawks for inside 50s per game (3.7).
He collected more than ten tackles on four occasions, including 14 in Round 9 against Gold Coast Suns and a phenomenal 17 tackles against West Coast Eagles in Round 19.
In the absence of midfield generals Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell in Round 22 against Brisbane, Shiels led the way, collecting 34 disposals in a performance that earned him two Brownlow votes.
After a quiet first final against West Coast Eagles, Shiels bounced back to be an important contributor in the Hawks’ three remaining finals.
He produced a trademark no-nonsense performance on the last day of the season, collecting 17 disposals and laying six tackles.
One of 17 players to feature in the back-to-back-to-back triumphs, Shiels believes the Hawks will continue to push themselves to taste more success next season.
“The amount of depth that we’ve got in our list, there’s a number of boys pushing for spots…. I think the depth is what keeps the boys in the team motivated to keep going,” he said.
After signing a four-year deal early this year, Shiels will be hopeful he can continue to be a part of team success for many more years to come.
GM - Football Operations Chris Fagan says...
“A bit like Ben Stratton, Liam just plays his role for the team each week and he’s probably an underrated player in the competition,” Fagan said.
“He’ll always go out and get somewhere between 20 and 30 touches, and he’ll always get somewhere between five and 10 tackles – and probably five clearances. They’re super numbers.
“He’s probably not the biggest name in our midfield, but his ability to run and cover ground, put pressure on the opposition and sometimes tag when he’s asked to tag is outstanding.
“He’s another player with great leadership potential. He definitely walks the talk and is a great example to everyone.”
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