Emerging Geelong forward Shannon Neale has labelled his appearances in the club’s 2024 final series as “astronomical” to his development.
With the now-retired Tom Hawkins sidelined with a foot issue with a third of the season remaining, the 22-year-old grabbed his opportunity with both hands to fill the void left by the Cats’ games record-holder.
Neale, who has 20 AFL matches to his name, kicked 14 goals in ten games from that point, which included two goals in a crucial display in the qualifying final win over Port Adelaide, in which he also took an equal-team-high nine marks.
“You can’t really put a label on the experience you gain from AFL, let alone AFL finals footy; it’s hot, it’s loud, and you’ve really got to be up for it,” he said.
“You can’t be switched off at any part of it.
“Going against the best; I was playing on Harris Andrews, Jack Payne… Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Aliir Aliir. So it was good to get that exposure as well.
“Hopefully it’s going to hold me in good stead going forward and playing a few more final series, which is definitely what we aspire to do.
“So it’s invaluable, that sort of stuff.”
This week’s challenge is likely to be Alex Pearce, who Neale is preparing for despite the Fremantle captain battling an ankle injury that kept him out of the Indigenous All-Stars team and the Dockers’ Community Series win over Melbourne.
“The last I heard, he was expecting to play and that’s sort of what I am expecting,” Neale said.
“I think last time, last year when we played them over there in Perth, I got Brennan Cox, so I assume I’ll probably get one of those two again.
“So narrowing my focus to those two guys will be what I’ll be doing this week.”
“Alex Pearce is a really good endurance runner. I know that. He’s really strong, and it’s no secret what he can do.
Brennan Cox reads the footy really well; really good intercept defender, so you’ve got to respect his body as well.
“So, yeah, I’ve got a clear focus on how I can approach those guys.”
Out-of-contract at the end of the season, Neale is leaving it to his management and Geelong to work out a deal that will keep him in the Hoops.
He has already made noises about staying, which he reiterated this week.
“I definitely feel comfortable here… building connections on and off the field,” Neale said.
“I’m renting a place by myself now after living with (a) host family; I lived with Esava (Ratugolea) for two years and lived with Ollie Henry last year.
“So, I’m definitely finding my feet here. And I do feel comfortable here, which is definitely a positive sign.”
Secure your ticket today as the Cats begin their 2025 campaign when they host the Dockers at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday. Tickets are available today through Ticketmaster.
X: @krockfootball
