The newest member of the Hawthorn footy clubs leadership group says he’ll continue the work of the clubs revered group of former leaders.

Liam Shiels (pictured) will join Isaac Smith as Jarryd Rougheads vice captains for the 2017 AFL season following the decision by the club to appoint Roughead as Luke Hodges successor.

Shiels says with such a strong history of leadership at the club, he won’t be attempting to reinvent the wheel but will instead look to continue the excellent work of those that lead the club to four premierships in the past eight years.