Liam Shiels is no stranger to tackling opponents. In last Saturday night's win over the Eagles, Shiels wrapped up an opponent no fewer than 17 times. 

It was a personal best for Shiels and his contribution was part of a team best for Hawthorn. It was the first time the Hawks have laid more than 100 tackles in a game, their 101 tackles against Eagles helped set up the vital win in their bid for a top two spot. 

Shiels 17 tackles was just two shy of the AFL record of 19 held by Sydney's Jude Bolton, a record the Swan set in 2011. 

Shiels was made aware of the number by teammates, he told Hawks TV after the game. 

"Yeah the boys mentioned it in the rooms, I didn't know it was two shy, but I guess the conditions suited that tonight," he said.

"It was pretty slippery, so there was plenty of opportunities to tackle, I thought I'd had a few tackles, but not quite 17."

Shiles was the only player on either team to lay more than 10 tackles on Saturday night, a feat he has achieved more than 10 times during his career. Shiels' previous best was 14 tackles in the Hawks Round 9 win over the Gold Coast at Aurora Stadium this year. 

Shiels wasn't just about the grunt work either, he picked up 21 disposals and kicked the goal that put the Hawks in front for the first time in the match in the last quarter.