Premiership Hawk Liam Shiels will be running out in the brown and gold until at least 2022.

Already contracted until the end of 2019, the 2018 vice-captain put pen to paper this week, signing on for a further three seasons.

Since joining the Hawks as a 17-year-old, Shiels has been a vital cog in the Hawks’ engine room for the best part of a decade, notching up 186 career games. 

Taken with Pick 38 in the 2008 National Draft, he made his debut in Round 10 2009 – a feat in itself given that he was midway through his Year 12 studies. 

He has since played in seven finals series in the brown and gold, culminating in three premierships. 

GM-Football Graham Wright said the club is pleased to have secured the midfielder’s services beyond 2019. 

“We’re thrilled to have Liam recommit to the club for a further three seasons,” Wright said.

“He has been a terrific contributor over the past 10 years, and he sets a great example for his teammates both on and off the field.

“Liam is 27 and would have been an unrestricted free agent next year.

“From a club perspective, it was important to lock him into a long-term deal that could see him finish his career here at Hawthorn.”

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Fresh off an impressive 2018 campaign, Shiels averaged a career high 23.1 disposals and was recognised as Hawthorn’s best finals player at the Peter Crimmins Medal ceremony. 

Known for his tackling pressure, the 27-year-old averages the fourth most tackles across the league (of those who have played at least 50 games) with 5.95, and currently holds the equal record for the most tackles in a game (17).

A great clubman and a much-loved teammate, Shiels was awarded life membership of the Hawthorn Football Club in 2017.