The stats

AFL games: 18

Disposals per game: 17.5

Marks: 2.3

Kicks: 10.6

Tackles: 8.5

Goals: 4

Review

It was another productive year for Liam Shiels, who, barring injury, was an important part of the Hawthorn midfield in 2016.

After missing the first two games with a broken wrist, the inside midfielder made an immediate impact with his tackling and pressure on the opposition.

He racked up a massive 16 tackles against Richmond in Round 7 and backed it up with an equally impressive 15-tackle display against Fremantle in Launceston the following week.

Shiels was again sidelined through injury after suffering a hamstring tear against Port Adelaide in Round 16, before returning to the side and playing well in the back end of the season.

The three-time premiership player was arguably Hawthorn’s best player in their semi final loss to the Western Bulldogs, with 20 disposals, 12 tackles and two goals in a losing effort.

Having been talked up as a future leader of the club, the 25-year-old will no doubt form a cornerstone of the Hawks’ midfield for many years to come, particularly with Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis departing the club during this year’s trade period.

A word from: Liam Shiels

“I’ve got a lot to learn. The lucky position that I’m in is that I’m learning from the best leaders in the game.”

“The other positive thing is we’ve got a number of boys my age, emerging leaders coming through, we’re all helping each other out.”