Selected with pick No.34 in the 2008 AFL Draft, one of the all-time great Hawks wasn't expected to play in his first season at Hawthorn but standout performances for Box Hill meant the midfielder tallied 11 games in his debut year.
He went on to play 255 games across 14 seasons with the Hawks, which saw him feature in the premiership winning years of 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Picked up by North Melbourne under the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period rule before the 2023 season, the 31-year-old reunited was able to with his former senior coach Alastair Clarkson.
Although he's in the twilight of his career, Shiels' durability and work rate off the ball remain as impressive parts of his game, while his leadership qualities and overall experience will aid the up-and-coming Roos soundly.
North Melbourne debut: Round 1, 2023
Career Brownlow votes: 32
2023: Shiels' toughness and willingness to put his body on the line was on show right from the get-go at his new club, as he put himself in harm's way against the Eagles in Round 1 to rein in a terrific mark going back with the flight of the ball.
While his actions set the tone on-field, the former Hawk was just as valuable off it, helping guide a young midfield through a difficult campaign for the club.
Although a calf injury meant Shiels' season was cut short, positive news followed as he put pen to paper on a contract to remain at Arden Street for at least one more year.
