Player agent Paul Connors has given some insight into his client Dylan Shiel’s decision to join Essendon.
GWS today announced Shiel’s intention on becoming a Bomber and Connors said ex-teammate Devon Smith was a factor in the decision.
“He’s close to Devon and I think you can see Devon’s football improved (at Essendon),” Connors told NAB AFL Trade Radio.
“The lure of playing with Devon and Devon certainly spoke highly of the program and Hayden Skipworth’s influence on Devon and I’m sure that’ll go well for Dylan too.
“They needed a bit of boosting in the midfield and that’s what Dylan thought in the end.”
Connors said the Giants were always aware Shiel would eventually return to Victoria.
“The Giants were aware that at some stage Dylan wanted to come play football again in Melbourne and I think both parties were open to him exploring that,” he said.
“He had some really open discussions with Leon Cameron and Wayne Campbell about exploring his opportunities.”
The Bombers went backwards in 2018, despite acquiring Smith, Adam Saad and Jake Stringer last year, but Connors said Shiel believes they can contend next year.
“I think he just feels they’ve got a great young list and a mature list,” Connors said.
“He thinks they can challenge for the eight and once you’re in the eight, they can be contenders and that was really important for him.
“In his mind, he’d like to play for the Bombers.”
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