A consistent midfield worker throughout the last decade for Hawthorn, vice-captain Liam Shiels led from the forefront in 2019. A dominant tackler throughout his time at the club, the three-time premiership player averaged the seventh most tackles across the competition including an outstanding 29-touch, two-goal performance against the Cats in round 18. Shiels is prime age to continue producing play in the heart of the midfield, less of a tagger now and more of a creator. He has been a consistent fantasy scorer across the previous six seasons and has played in 92% of matches across the previous three. Select him in early to middle rounds as a solid and dependable scorer without much in the way of upside.
Pup is a working dog
A consistent midfield worker throughout the last decade for Hawthorn, vice-captain Liam Shiels led from the forefront in 2019. A dominant tackler throughout his time at the club, the three-time premiership player averaged the seventh most tackles across the competition including an outstanding 29-touch, two-goal performance against the Cats in round 18. Shiels is prime age to continue producing play in the heart of the midfield, less of a tagger now and more of a creator. He has been a consistent fantasy scorer across the previous six seasons and has played in 92% of matches across the previous three. Select him in early to middle rounds as a solid and dependable scorer without much in the way of upside.
Shiels shoulders load
Struggling with various ailments throughout his first eight seasons, Liam Shiels has missed just one game in each of the past two years. Known for his work rate and doggedness in the clinches, Shiels kicked the ball more than ever before in 2018, lifting his average by three on last campaign. The three time premiership player has now led the club's tackle count in each of the past two years, indicative of his competitiveness and willpower. Injury to Tom Mitchell during the off-season means changes in the gameplan. With the development of Daniel Howe as a tagger, Shiels should be released from those duties to take more responsibility for clearances. Following his improved durability record and the requirement for more ball winners in the Hawks midfield, Shiels' draft value should rise to become an early round prospect.
Sword and Shiels
Tough in the clinches may be the prototype explanation for Liam Shiels' football style, and this notion was only strengthened by 21 appearances at senior level in 2017. Shiels maintained disposal averages in a transitioning midfield while continuing his standards around the stoppages, producing a healthy contested rate of 38%. Touted by the faithful as a captain in waiting, his next career progression is to make it out on the park more often. Prior to last season, Shiels missed 25 matches across 5 years, leaving significant question marks over his body. Having reached a standard the coaching staff seem pleased with, continuity is the only marker slowing Shiels. While he can’t yet be trusted to play each week, his propensity for a tackle means he always presents as a fantasy option. He would be a wise selection as a seventh midfielder.
