Liam Shiels and Jack Darling will be inducted as life members for their service to Australian Football, the AFL has announced. 

Shiels automatically qualified for life membership after recording 288 premiership games, 17 official pre-season games, and two international rules tests throughout his 16-year playing career with Hawthorn and North Melbourne. 

A three-time premiership player with Hawthorn, the 33-year-old played 255 games across 14 seasons in brown and gold before reuniting with long-time coach Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne during the 2023 pre-season supplemental selection period.

Shiels added 33 more games to his tally over two seasons at Arden Street, offering a wealth of experience and leadership to the Roos’ emerging midfield.

Since calling time on his playing career in August, Shiels has joined North Melbourne’s recruiting team as a national talent scout. 

Darling, who is yet to debut for North Melbourne after joining in October's Trade Period, qualified for life membership after 298 premiership games with West Coast and 15 official pre-season games.

Shiels, Darling and the other new AFL life members will be welcomed and honoured at the 2025 season launch.