Shannon Neale: Rising Tall in the AFL
- Introduction: Who is Shannon Neale?
- Early Days and Athletic Prowess
- Drafted by Geelong: Beginning the AFL Journey
- Developing in the Hoops: Finding His Place as a Ruck-Forward
- The Physical Transformation: Gaining Strength and Impact
- Breakout Moments and Future Outlook
- Conclusion: Shannon Neale’s Continued Ascent
Shannon Neale is quickly becoming a name familiar to AFL fans, particularly those following the Geelong Cats. As an avid follower of the game myself, I’ve been tracking the progress of this young tall player, and it’s genuinely exciting to see his development. This AFL ruck-forward has shown significant promise since being drafted, demonstrating that he has the potential to be a key figure for the Cats in the years to come. His journey from a promising junior with an athletics background to an emerging threat in the top league is a compelling story, and it’s one that highlights the dedication and hard work required to make it in the Australian Football League.
Standing at an imposing 203cm, Shannon Neale was drafted by Geelong with pick 33 in the 2020 AFL national draft. He arrived at the club with a reputation for being raw but incredibly athletic, possessing traits that coaches would undoubtedly be eager to mould into a formidable senior player. My initial impression was that he had all the physical tools; the question was how quickly he could adapt to the rigours and strategic demands of AFL football. As we’ll explore, his journey has involved significant physical and tactical development, culminating in some eye-catching performances.
Early Days and Athletic Prowess
Before making his mark in the AFL, Shannon Neale honed his skills in Western Australia. He played his junior football with the Jandakot Jets and later progressed through the ranks at South Fremantle. My experience watching junior football tells me that players coming from strong WAFL programs often have a solid foundation, and Neale was no exception. He wasn’t just a promising footballer; he also boasted a significant background in athletics, competing nationally in the 400m and 800m events.
This running background isn’t just a fun fact; it’s a crucial part of what makes Neale such an intriguing prospect. His athleticism was clearly evident at the WA Combine, where he posted top-five results in several athletic tests, including the standing vertical jump (73cm), running vertical jumps (both over 86cm), and the 2km time trial (6:35 minutes). That sort of engine and explosiveness is gold in modern football, allowing him to cover the ground effectively and compete strongly in aerial contests.
He earned recognition during his junior career, winning South Fremantle’s Rising Star Award and Leading Goalkicker Award in 2019. He also represented Western Australia at the Under 16 National Championships and played in the Under 17 Futures All-Star showcase. These experiences at representative level are vital stepping stones, exposing young players to a higher intensity and skill level, preparing them for the eventual leap to the AFL.
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Drafted by Geelong: Beginning the AFL Journey
Geelong’s decision to draft Shannon Neale at pick 33 in the 2020 draft highlighted their belief in his raw potential. The club has a history of developing tall players, and I imagine their recruiters saw the athletic traits and the upside he possessed. Entering an AFL environment is a massive step up, and for a young player, the first couple of years are often about acclimatisation and building a physical and tactical base.
Neale made his AFL debut in Round 11 of the 2022 season against the Adelaide Crows. Debuting is always a significant milestone, the culmination of years of hard work. While his initial senior opportunities were somewhat limited, spending time developing his craft, this period was undoubtedly crucial for his long-term prospects. It allowed him to learn the structures, the intensity, and the demands of playing at the elite level.
During this time, he benefitted immensely from being at a successful club like Geelong, particularly learning from established stars. As he himself has mentioned, spending his early years as an “apprenticeship” under players like Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron was invaluable. Imagine being a young tall forward learning from two of the best in the game! That kind of mentorship isn’t something you can replicate easily, and it clearly played a big role in his development as a Geelong tall forward.
Developing in the Hoops: Finding His Place as a Ruck-Forward
Neale was initially touted as a ruck/key forward prospect, and we’ve seen him play both roles during his time at Geelong. His height makes him a natural option in the ruck, but it’s his mobility and aerial ability that make him a threat when pushing forward. Finding the right balance and understanding the demands of each position at the AFL level is a constant learning process for young talls.
The 2024 season was something of a breakout year for Neale. He found far more consistency, playing 15 AFL games and kicking 23 goals. That’s a solid return for an emerging player and demonstrates his growing impact in Geelong’s forward line. He hit the scoreboard in 14 of those 15 appearances and kicked multiple goals in eight games. As someone who watches games closely, his contested marking has become a noticeable strength, averaging four marks and one contested mark per game in 2024.
What stands out to me is how he’s been able to translate his athletic gifts into on-field performance. His vertical jump allows him to challenge opposition ruckmen and take strong marks over defenders. His speed off the mark gives him a handy advantage on the lead, providing a different kind of threat in the forward 50.
The Physical Transformation: Gaining Strength and Impact
A key part of Shannon Neale’s development has been his physical transformation. Coming into the system, he was described as having a slighter frame, weighing around 87kg according to some reports, although others list 91kg at the draft. Fast forward a few years, and Neale himself revealed he’s bulked up significantly, reaching around 107kg. That’s a gain of roughly 20kg!
This sort of weight gain is carefully managed in an elite system, focusing on building strength and power without compromising athleticism. It’s a topic that can be a bit taboo in the AFL, but Neale openly discussing it highlights the deliberate effort he’s put into his physical development. Adding that kind of size is crucial for a tall player needing to compete against seasoned bodies in the ruck and win contested possessions and marks upfront. It shows a commitment to meeting the physical demands of being an AFL player Shannon Neale aims to be – a dominant tall presence.
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Breakout Moments and Future Outlook
Neale has had some truly impressive performances that hint at his potential. His career-high five-goal haul against the Western Bulldogs recently was a standout game. Kicking crucial goals in the final quarter of a tight match demonstrates composure and a growing ability to impact games when it matters most. Watching that game, I was particularly impressed by his ability to hit the scoreboard and provide a reliable target.
With Tom Hawkins nearing the end of his illustrious career, 2025 is shaping up to be an important season for Neale as he looks to cement a permanent spot in the forward line. The opportunity is there for him to step up and become one of Geelong’s primary attacking weapons. His ability to play both ruck and forward offers valuable versatility to the team’s structure.
From my perspective, the key for Neale moving forward will be consistency. He’s shown flashes of brilliance and had a solid run in 2024, but replicating that form week in and week out is the hallmark of a truly elite player. Continuing to refine his craft, particularly his work rate around the ground and decision-making, will be crucial. However, given his age, athleticism, and the coaching environment at Geelong, there’s every reason to be optimistic about his future.
Conclusion: Shannon Neale’s Continued Ascent
In conclusion, Shannon Neale represents an exciting part of Geelong’s future. His journey from a talented junior with a strong athletics background to an emerging key position player in the AFL is a testament to his dedication and the development program at the Cats. We’ve seen him transform physically and improve his consistency, particularly in 2024, culminating in some significant breakout performances. As he continues to gain experience and build his game, this young Australian rules footballer Shannon Neale is well-positioned to become a vital player for Geelong, potentially stepping into a significant role in their forward structure for years to come. It’s a journey that’s still unfolding, and one I, like many footy fans, will be watching with great interest.