Hawthorn have confirmed veteran Liam Shiels will depart the club after deciding to hang up the boots.
The 31-year-old has played 255 games in the brown and gold, including a role in their three successive premierships in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
The midfielder joined the Hawks through the 2008 National Draft and quickly cemented his place under coach Alastair Clarkson as a dependable asset to the club's cause.
His latter years have seen Shiel placed on the periphery as Hawthorn look toward the future, with the Eastern Ranges product taking on more of a mentor role with the fledgling Hawks squad under former teammate Sam Mitchell.
In a club statement released on Thursday afternoon, Shiels said the time was right to leave the club.
“It’s been a tough decision, and a decision I was always going to leave until the end of the year as I made the commitment to my teammates and staff at Box Hill to play out finals with them,” Shiels said.
“I’ve since had the opportunity to sit down with my family and friends to work out what is best for me and we decided that I’m going to hang the boots up.
“It’s been a great journey for me, having walked into this footy club as a 17-year-old still in school, to finish 14 years later with 255 games and three premierships is something I will be forever grateful for.
“The club has done so much for me, I’ve had so many great life experiences and met so many great friends, and I will be forever indebted to this football club.”
Hawthorn football boss Rob McCartney lauded Shiels' service to the club, ending a tenure that included the Best Clubman Award in 2017.
“Each and every week Liam showed an incredible ability to impact the game through skill and determination,” McCartney said.
“Having pulled on the brown and gold for a remarkable 255 games, including three premierships, Liam sits comfortably with those who have achieved the very best at Hawthorn.
“Importantly, Liam was a player's player, sacrificing his game for the greater good of the team.
“While his playing deeds will never be forgotten, Liam also departs as an outstanding human – a person who will be remembered by staff, players and supporters as someone you’d like to bump into in the street and spend time with.
“We wish Liam, Claire, Thomas the very best in their next chapter.”
Shiels joins Ben McEvoy is having decided to hang up the boots at Hawthorn this year and leaves the club as a life member.
