Harry Sheezel Breaks Silence on Pressure and Growth Amid Criticism
There’s something uniquely powerful about hearing a rising AFL star speak with raw honesty, and that’s exactly what North Melbourne’s Harry Sheezel just gave us. After bursting onto the scene with a stellar debut season that saw him claim the AFL Rising Star and the club's best and fairest in 2023, Sheezel has found himself navigating a far more complicated chapter in 2025. His story right now is less about accolades and more about maturity, pressure, and perspective.
Harry opened up recently in a candid interview with Hamish McLachlan on Unfiltered , addressing the intense scrutiny he’s faced this season. Despite still racking up solid stats, critics—including prominent commentator Kane Cornes—have accused him of “stat-padding” and lacking meaningful influence in games. That criticism reached a point where Cornes was even banned from a pre-game interview, a rare and telling move that shows just how sensitive and polarising the topic had become.
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But Sheezel’s response wasn’t defensive—it was grounded and introspective. He acknowledged that this season hasn’t been easy. He’s felt the weight of expectations, not just from fans, but internally—from himself. “It definitely can get tough and you feel like you’re letting not only yourself down, but the team down,” he admitted. That kind of vulnerability is rare in the competitive world of elite sport.
Instead of spiraling under the pressure, Sheezel has leaned into personal growth. He spoke about shifting his mindset from chasing external validation to focusing on being present. With guidance from mindset coach and former Richmond skipper Kane Johnson, he’s been doing breathwork, mindfulness, and deep reflection to keep himself grounded. His new mantra? “Be present.” Simple but powerful.
What stands out most is Sheezel’s commitment to purpose beyond personal glory. He’s no longer just trying to prove he’s a great footballer. He’s trying to be a better teammate, investing in the group’s success, not just his own numbers. It’s clear this isn’t just a rough patch—it’s a transformative moment for the 20-year-old.
“I think no matter how I play moving forward, I’ve developed some pretty good tools to keep me level,” he shared. That kind of resilience and maturity doesn’t show up on stat sheets, but it’s the kind of thing that shapes leaders.
Harry Sheezel might not be dominating highlight reels the way he did last year, but what he’s doing off the field—mentally, emotionally, and within his team—might just be more important in the long run. This chapter might not be glamorous, but it’s real, and it’s laying the foundation for something bigger.
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