AFL Player # 9: Dylan Shiel - Sticking around for 2025, training in the backline - 18/10

[Beerfish]

Contract Status: Out of contract 2024 2025
My Boy Draft 2024: Pick 35, eth-dog

 

[IHurley]

Kelly was pretty limited as a footballer, but his athleticism made up for it to give him an AFL career. Had a great tank, was a repeat sprint animal and gave you everything each week.

Never understood the hate he copped, way more talented guys gave way less to the team each week.

I'm no hater. He was perfectly decent. I could just never understand why his speed gave him zero line-breaking ability.

 

[Vindicater]

I'm no hater. He was perfectly decent. I could just never understand why his speed gave him zero line-breaking ability.

Because he was ultra conservative as a player.

 

[DERO]

He is still our best player moving in and out of traffic. He showed last year that he can still be damaging.

His kicking is still a big concern though and we are not exactly overly endowed with backmen who can kick if Martin goes back to the wing and Ridley inevitably gets injured.

 

[joey_jo_jo]

He is still our best player moving in and out of traffic. He showed last year that he can still be damaging.

His kicking is still a big concern though and we are not exactly overly endowed with backmen who can kick if Martin goes back to the wing and Ridley inevitably gets injured.

Im guessing Archie Roberts will play in backline. But yes it does feel like our main hope is that ridley stays fit and we finally see Reid in the seniors for an extended period (from memory he is meant to be a decent user of the footy despite his height). Its a bit frustrating that this is the exact situation we were in at the beginning of 2024

 

[IHurley]

Im guessing Archie Roberts will play in backline. But yes it does feel like our main hope is that ridley stays fit and we finally see Reid in the seniors for an extended period (from memory he is meant to be a decent user of the footy despite his height). Its a bit frustrating that this is the exact situation we were in at the beginning of 2024

Laverde needn't worry about spending much (if any) time in the VFL.

 

[Milanista28]

Rather develop a kid who has a future than play a 32 year old inside mid in a pretty important position, just to grab a few short term wins, even if he's successful in the role, we'll need to replace him soon anyway.

Rebuilding and trying moves like this to win now doesn't make sense to me, Play Roberts, El Hawli or Prior before Shiel at HB

 

[Lore]

I'd have thought the issue with his kicking is acting under pressure from a stoppage more than actual kicking mechanics. Also his clangers are awful, but probably overhyped. I don't think his kicking in general is all that bad. Not Merrett and Martin level, but not hopeless by any means.

If he's playing as a loose small in D50 then his burst speed could be useful. I don't think he's lost that.

 

[P Money]

Yeah I don't mind it. We have plenty of young mids that need minutes (in the midfield) and this move tells me the coaches are looking to make that happen. His #1 asset has always been his burst speed and evasiveness in traffic and he doesn't look to have lost that yet - that along with his leadership and experience could be useful in the backline (we are pretty slow coming out of there esp with Hind gone). Agree that the watch will be on his disposal but hopefully he finds himself with a bit more time/composure behind the ball.

I get that he might take some minutes off some younger players (EL Hawli/Roberts) but the other option is to sit him in the VFL and really he's just too good to be a VFL player (not to mention one of the most professional trainers/recoverers at the club which needs to be rewarded if we are going to set the culture for success).

 

[boncer34]

Rather develop a kid who has a future than play a 32 year old inside mid in a pretty important position, just to grab a few short term wins, even if he's successful in the role, we'll need to replace him soon anyway.

Rebuilding and trying moves like this to win now doesn't make sense to me, Play Roberts, El Hawli or Prior before Shiel at HB

As the reigning poster of the year for this board I'd just like to say I like the move.

 

[eth-dog]

Rather develop a kid who has a future than play a 32 year old inside mid in a pretty important position, just to grab a few short term wins, even if he's successful in the role, we'll need to replace him soon anyway.

Rebuilding and trying moves like this to win now doesn't make sense to me, Play Roberts, El Hawli or Prior before Shiel at HB

I think Roberts and Prior probably play anyway and SEH looks like he's competing for a wing spot instead of half back.

Shiel moving from inside mid to half back allows opportunities for Hobbs and Tsatas. If he moved forward he'd be blocking development for other players too. He's on the list, he has to play somewhere. I'd rather give opportunities to our first round draftees than a MSD pick up and a SSP selection.

 

[KGBeast]

I’d just like him to have a solid year for a change.

 

[Keystone agony]

Rather develop a kid who has a future than play a 32 year old inside mid in a pretty important position, just to grab a few short term wins, even if he's successful in the role, we'll need to replace him soon anyway.

Rebuilding and trying moves like this to win now doesn't make sense to me, Play Roberts, El Hawli or Prior before Shiel at HB

I agree with this

But i hope its for him to have the flexability to fill a spot back if injury occurs, as we know what he can be as an inside midfidler and he knows that role. Maybe also to revitalise him a bit

I hope we dont move on from the Hind, Stringer, Kelly, Weideman, Heppell, Laverde age experience, mention a 3 year range to success, not chase any names in the offseason and say we will go to the draft

And then manage to find a way to start Shiel, Setterfield, Guelfi, Laverde, Gresham guys over the development of Davey, Hobbs, Tsatas, Kako, Reid, El Hawli, Roberts

If you wanted to win in the next 12-24 months you dont get rid of your 2nd best forward for a scrap heap pick

 

[Runk]

The guy is 31. I'm here to tell you that if you still have concerns with his kicking then you need to move on.
It aint getting any better. Trust this guy's agility instead.

 

[MiguelM]

I think he could be very good down back. Showed his class/poise when he returned last year.

 

[Clark G]

Clearly he is being prepared to play the role that Heppell, Hind and Kelly played. He will need a big year if he is to be retained beyond next season.

 

[windyhill]

Remember when he came to us Dylzie, first three shots at goal , hit the post. Hasn't quite had lift off with us, poor bastard. Probably should've left, happy he's still with us.