GWS midfielder Dylan Shiel nominates Essendon as his preferred trade destination
EXCLUSIVE: THE decision is in. After weeks of uncertainty, GWS midfielder Dylan Shiel will turn his back on the Giants in the hope of becoming a Bomber. JON ANDERSON tells why.
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EXCLUSIVE: THE thrill of playing in front of blockbuster crowds was a selling point in Essendon’s seduction of Dylan Shiel.
The Bombers are set to secure the prized signature of the Greater Western Sydney onballer.
Essendon trumped St Kilda, Carlton and Hawthorn for the 25-year-old midfielder, who will provide the outside run and ball delivery so vital in today’s game.
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Essendon players met with Shiel last week before the former Caulfield Grammarian flew into Melbourne this morning.
Shiel was one of the GWS trailblazers, playing in the fledgling club’s first AFL match on March 24, 2012, in front of a crowd of 38,203 against cross town rivals Sydney.
It’s a crowd figure he’s rarely seen since when playing at home, and the chance of moving to the home of football at the MCG, in front of massive crowds, is said to have been a lure for Shiel.
In 2018 the Bombers played in front of five crowds over 65,000 at the MCG, including 91,440 and 69,868 against Collingwood, plus 81,046 and 76,424 in matches with Richmond.
It saw Essendon average crowds of 47,356 for its home games, compared with 11,913 for the Greater Western Sydney Giants.
Essendon’s two biggest drawing games in 2018 were the Anzac Day and Dreamtime blockbusters, both brainwaves of their former coach in Kevin Sheedy.
By comparison Shiel performed eight times in front of crowds below 12,000 in 2018 for GWS, highlighting a problem that problem that some interstate clubs have when it comes to player retention.
The Herald Sun today revealed Shiel had told the Bombers he wanted to join them.
Half an hour later, GWS issued a statement confirming Shiel’s intention to join Essendon.
“Dylan has been a big part of this club for a number of years and we have been having mature and honest conversations, particularly considering he will enter Free Agency at the end of next year,” the Giants’ statement read.
“The GIANTS are prepared to discuss potential trade options with the Bombers that sees an appropriate return for the club.
“Dylan is contracted to the GIANTS for the 2019 season and he will remain a GIANT should a suitable trade not be reached.”
Earlier, upon landing in Melbourne this morning, Shiel played a straight bat to questions on his future.
“Hopefully it comes out today. I’ll meet with my manager and see how it goes,” he said on his arrival.
Shield has played 135 games (64 goals) for GWS since being taken with a 17-year-old access selectionby the Giants in 2011. He was an All-Australian selection in 2017.
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Originally published as GWS midfielder Dylan Shiel nominates Essendon as his preferred trade destination
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