Retired Hawk Liam Shiels is understood to be a chance of backflipping on his decision to hang up the boots, with the view that the three-time Hawthorn premiership player could rekindle his career in the AFL for 2023.

Shiels announced his decision to call time on his 255-game career last month, ending a 14-year spell with the Hawks that spanned across a dominant period for the brown and gold.

The 31-year-old was left on the fringe of selection under senior coach and ex-teammate Sam Mitchell this season, playing 10 games on-field and another three as an unused medical sub.

Mitchell had shown a tendency to prioritise youth this year, with Shiels' spot on the wing - one he has held for the past decade - falling to some of Hawks' fledgling youngsters.

Shiels averaged 14.6 disposals from his 10 on-field appearances and proved to have plenty left in the tank, with AFL Media now reporting the Basin product might be open to continuing his career into 2023.

The publication's report suggests Shiels could find himself at the second club in his career in what would be his 15th campaign in the AFL.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21: Liam Shiels of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL round 18 match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Shiels was floated as one of several ex-Hawks that could reunite with newly-appointed North Melbourne coach and Hawthorn great Alastair Clarkson at Arden Street, however the four-time premiership coach's tenure with the Roos hangs in the balance due to recent racism allegations.

But while a move to the Kangaroos remains up for debate, Shiels is said to have gained interest from rival clubs this off-season.

With AFL list lodgements yet to be locked in, Shiels, whose contract expired this year, could still be picked up as a delisted free agent.

Fellow ex-Hawks Luke Hodge (Brisbane), Jordan Lewis (Melbourne), Grant Birchall (Brisbane) and Isaac Smith (Geelong) are among those that have flown from the Hawks' nest for the final years of their careers, with the latter even going on to claim a fourth premiership and a maiden Norm Smith Medal this year with the Cats.

The aforementioned Mitchell joined West Coast before ending his career, stepping into a coaching position with the Eagles after retirement - a move Shiels could consider.