An exciting key position prospect that should go in the first round of the National Draft, especially given the needs of certain clubs, Jobe Shanahan proved his worth throughout his draft year, dominating in the Murray Football League's senior competition and with the Bendigo Pioneers, AFL Academy and, more impressively, at VFL level for Essendon.
The 2024 season saw Shanahan earmark himself as one of New South Wales' best draft hopes, being named in the AFL Academy. He managed 22 goals from 11 games with the Pioneers, with his best haul being six against the Bushrangers in the last home and away game of the season.
He kicked a total of 42 goals in 20 matches this year, including 11 goals in three matches for Essendon's VFL team.
Despite playing predominantly as a key forward, Shanahan has the capability of featuring in the midfield or defence, showing his impressive versatility
He also tested soundly at the AFL Draft Combine with a strong 6:39 for the 2km time trial and leaping 86cm in the running vertical jump.
Shanahan is expected to go later in the first round, with Richmond likely eyeing the tall with Picks 18, 20, 23 or 24, while it wouldn't shock most if Sydney or GWS made a play for the local talent.
Draft gurus and recruiters have seen a lot of Essendon's Kyle Langford and Melbourne's Bayley Fritsch in Shanahan's game.
Position:ย Key Forward
Height:ย 195cm
State:ย New South Wales
Club:ย Moama
Strengths
Versatility
Scoreboard Impact
Marking
Mobility
Draft Range
Pick 12-25
Potential Landing Spots
GWS (Pick 15, 16 and 21)
Richmond (Pick 18, 20, 23 and 24)
Sydney (Pick 19 and 22)
AFL Comparison
Expert comments
"A mobile tall forward with a vice-like grip overhead who continued to develop at multiple levels this year. Represented the Allies during the National Championships and was a real presence up forward, taking the most contested marks of any player during the tournament." - Kevin Sheehan.
