Former Giant Devon Smith’s sensational first season in the red and black culminated in Crichton Medal success and boom recruit Dylan Shiel could well emulate Smith’s efforts this year. 

The star midfielder didn’t let anyone down in this year, living up to the hype with a sensational inaugural season as a Bomber and adding plenty of spark to the side’s on-ball brigade.

A bull in the contest and racehorse on the outside, Shiel proved to be a serious weapon for the side throughout the year, using his strength and athleticism to cause plenty of headaches for the opposition.

His 116 clearances from 22 games stands in overall fifth place for total clearances in a single season from a Bomber, while he also led the club for metres gained, highlighting his ability to drive the ball forward with purpose.

Shiel bursts into the clear at the MCG on Anzac Day. (Image: AFL Photos)

Already a vital part of the side, Shiel is a major contender for the best and fairest this year and is sure to play a huge role for the club in the future as he continues to jell with his new teammates. 

SEASON AVERAGES

Disposals: 26.2

Contested possessions: 11.1

Clearances: 5.3

Inside 50s: 5

Tackles: 4.9

CLUB RANKING (AVE. PER GAME)

1st – Clearances – fifth-most ever from a Bomber in a single season, metres gained (455.6)

2nd – Inside 50s, contested possessions

3rd – Pressure acts

4th – Score involvements, tackles

TOP THREE PERFORMANCES

Round 5 vs North Melbourne

I’m not sure any Bomber played a better individual game than Shiel in the Kick for the Kids game on Good Friday. He tore the Kangaroos apart with 36 disposals, 28 uncontested possessions (career high), 866 metres gained (career high), 11 score involvements, 10 inside 50s (equal career high), five clearances and four goal assists (career high) to confirm his star status in the red and black.

Round 9 vs Fremantle

Pressure had begun to mount on Shiel to some extent by round nine as the star recruit was still yet to break through for his first goal as a Bomber, stuck on seven behinds. But he finally put the issue to bed in the final term with a classy goal on the run, opening the floodgates as he added another just nine minutes later. He was an integrak part of the seven-point victory, finishing with 25 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five clearances and six score involvements.

Round 18 vs Adelaide

The statistics don’t do Shiel’s effort at Adelaide Oval in the club’s huge comeback victory justice. His intensity in the contest throughout the game was elite as he claimed a career-high 33 pressure acts including six tackles, while his aggression and positivity with the ball in hand was brilliant.

He amassed 23 disposals, 11 contested possessions, five clearances, five running bounces and six score involvements including a thrilling running goal (see below) in one of the most complete performances of his season.

The Crichton Medal will be held at The Plenary on Tuesday, October 1. Click on the image below to secure your tickets.