Shiel opens up on "heavy" journey following retirement

In a heartfelt tribute, Dylan Shiel has officially announced his retirement from the AFL.

The 32-year-old, who started with the Giants in their inaugural season, after being one of their underage recruits, became one of the side's best talents.

In his time with GWS, where he played 135 games across seven seasons, the midfielder showed plenty of talent as the club became a premiership contender, with his crowning moment being when he was named as an All-Australian in 2017

The year after, Shiel would move back home to Victoria, with Essendon trading for him using two first-round picks to bring him to the club.

Whilst he initially started strong by managing to finish as a runner-up in the club's best and fairest in his first season, the midfielder struggled to hit the same heights that he did when he played at the Giants, having suffered several injuries.

Having not received a contract from the Bombers for 2026, Shiel has now decided to move on to a new chapter in his life.

On an Instagram post, Shiel would thank both clubs alongside his teammates and coach.

The one time All-Australian also opened up on the struggles that he faced throughout his 14 seasons at the AFL level, noting the struggles that he had along the way.

"My journey wasn’t a fairytale," he said.

"It was hard. It was heavy. It broke me open more than once. There were seasons where it felt like all I did was fight — for form, for confidence, for a place, for belief.

"Yet every time the game tried to push me out, something inside me pushed back harder. I’m proud of that. Maybe more than anything else."

The Essendon Football Club have also acknowledged the services that Shiel provides to them, having thanked him for his services and wished him and his family well for the future.