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HAWTHORN midfielder Liam Shiels will carry the scars of battle into Saturday's Grand Final, a broken nose courtesy of some friendly fire from Luke Hodge.
The Hawk skipper collected his teammate while attempting to tackle a Port Adelaide player early in the final quarter of the preliminary final.
The blow was serious enough to sideline Shiels for a part of the final quarter and he was on the bench for the last four minutes as the Hawks almost coughed up what seemed an insurmountable lead.
"It was hard work watching," he said.
Liam Shiels nurses his injured nose after Saturday's preliminary final thriller. Picture: AFL Media
"We just couldn't seem to find a composed possession and it felt like they had an extra number at the end.
"We were lucky to get the win."
But win they did and the 23-year-old is now preparing for his third straight Grand Final, having kept faith throughout the year that the Hawks would make it despite the various injury and illness concerns and changes to the team at the end of last season.
"We always had a huge belief throughout the year and you could see it in games.
"We'd be down by 30 points and we'd always find a way to come back. It's a credit to the depth we have whether it be coaching staff or players that blokes would be able to come in and fill roles," he said.
According to Shiels, the side has been invigorated by the emergence of players such as Taylor Duryea, Jon Ceglar and Will Langford, premiership players at Box Hill last season. "Blokes have grabbed their opportunities with both hands," he said.
Langford's improvement in particular has freed up Shiels to become a more attacking player.
"I haven't played the run-with role so much this year. Langford has come in and done that and he's a pretty versatile player – he can win his own ball and shut down – and that's allowed me some my own time on half-forward or wing or to find my own footy."
Shiels believes Hawthorn has more depth this year and estimates there are up to 30 players who could do the job for the club in the Grand Final if required.
