Former AFL player Liam Shiels has re-joined the North Melbourne Football Club as a national talent scout. Shiels began his role with the club’s recruiting team at the start of November, following his retirement from a 288-game AFL career in August.
At 33 years old, Shiels brings a wealth of experience to the position. He is a three-time premiership player with Hawthorn, where he played 255 games over 14 seasons. In 2023, he reunited with longtime coach Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne during the pre-season supplemental selection period. Over two seasons at Arden Street, Shiels added 33 games to his career tally, providing leadership to the team’s emerging midfield.
LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 24: Liam Shiels of the Kangaroos is chaired from the field by Luke Breust of the Hawks and Luke McDonald of the Kangaroos after his final AFL match during the round 24 AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and North Melbourne Kangaroos at University of Tasmania Stadium, on August 24, 2024, in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
During his time as a player at North Melbourne, Shiels also gained experience in recruitment. He participated in internal meetings and engaged in talent scouting on weekends alongside his AFL commitments.
“Liam is well placed to make an immediate impact in this role with his knowledge of football and our list, combined with two years of work experience in our recruiting team,” said North Melbourne’s head of football talent, Brady Rawlings. “We have no doubt Liam will approach this role in the same way he did his playing career—with full effort and a commitment to making our club better.”
Shiels will join the club’s team at the 2024 AFL Draft this week.
