Former AFL midfielder Dylan Shiel has officially transitioned from player to coach, securing a key development role with the St Kilda Saints. The move marks a fresh start for the 32-year-old after his playing career concluded late last year.
From the Field to the Coaching Box
Shiel called time on his 234-game career after being delisted by the Essendon Bombers, despite playing 14 senior games in his final season. While he initially hoped to continue playing elsewhere, an opportunity in coaching emerged instead.
The new position sees him return to a club he was often linked with as a player. "Super excited to be joining the Saints ... Bayside boy growing up, had a few attempts to join as a player, super grateful to be joining the club," Shiel said.
He revealed the connection was forged through St Kilda's new head of football, Lenny Hayes, whom he knew from their time together at the GWS Giants. Hayes personally reached out to offer him the role within the club's development program.
Working Alongside Lyon and a New Saints Family
Shiel will work under the leadership of development boss Damian Carroll and alongside fellow development coach Brendon Goddard. He expressed particular enthusiasm for learning from senior figures at the club.
"I couldn't be more excited to take on this role and work alongside Ross Lyon, Corey Enright and the wider St Kilda coaching group," he stated. He humorously noted that while he'd played against most of the staff, he used to collect Robert Harvey's card as an Auskicker.
After taking time to decompress with his family, Shiel said the itch to explore coaching grew. "Football as an industry I've just grown to love and it's given me great opportunity to fulfill my dreams," he explained.
A Career of Highs, Scrutiny, and New Beginnings
Shiel's playing journey was one of notable achievement and intense pressure. He started at the Giants, quickly becoming one of the league's premier midfielders and earning All-Australian selection in 2017.
His blockbuster trade to Essendon at the end of 2018 came with a big-money contract and heightened scrutiny. His time at the Bombers was subsequently hampered by form and injury challenges.
He finishes with 234 AFL games to his name: 135 with GWS and 99 with Essendon.
Lenny Hayes welcomed Shiel's character and experience to the Saints. "Dylan's relentless pursuit of excellence - as a player and now a coach - sets a standard we want across our entire club," Hayes said, adding that it would benefit the club's young midfielders.
Hayes also extended a welcome to Shiel's wife Georgie and their daughters, Sloane and Blaire, into the Saints family.
