Former The Basin footballer Liam Shiels debuted for Hawthorn last By Casey Neill
BORONIA’S Liam Shiels last Sunday 31 May made an impressive and unexpected debut for reigning AFL premiers Hawthorn against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
The 18-year-old racked up 16 possessions (7 kicks, 9 handballs), grabbed six marks and laid three tackles.
He made four clearances, twice took the ball inside the Hawks’ forward 50 and spent 75 per cent of the match on the field.
The Hawks took Shiels at pick 34 in last November’s national draft. He was the youngest player selected.
The Year 12 Aquinas College student last December told the Mail his goal was to play his first senior game this season, but said it was unlikely while juggling training and schoolwork.
“It’ll probably be difficult to get a game this year,” he said.
Shiels made his Aussie Rules debut for The Basin Football Club before heading to the Eastern Ranges under-15s team three years ago.
He impressed with the TAC Cup side this year and represented Vic Metro in the AFL Under 18 Championships.
He has spent this season with Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate club Box Hill.
