After embracing the opportunity Tom Hawkins’ mid-season injury presented in 2024, emerging Geelong forward Shannon Neale is keen to use that as a foundation for this year.
The 22-year-old played 10 games, including both of the Cats’ finals, following the foot injury suffered by Hawkins in Round 16, doubling his career match tally and kicking 14 goals.
“I got some good exposure last year; both continuity throughout the season, but also playing my first finals campaign, which is really exciting,” he said.
So, (I’m) hoping to take some of that experience into this year and hopefully put together a full season, which is the main aim.
“I’m just looking forward to playing a bit more and then just building on what I’ve put in the bank over the last few years.
“Taking what I can from the guys I’ve got around me and then making it my own and hopefully playing a bit more of a role, which is exciting.”
After only five appearances in his first three seasons, the 203cm Neale welcomed the chance to play on some of the competition’s best defenders in his 15 outings in 2024.
“Getting that exposure against guys like Harris Andrews, playing on Brandon Zerk-Thatcher at times, Aliir Aliir in those finals,” he said.
“It brings a bit more wealth of opportunity to learn and grow off different players and ways to beat them.
“So I’m looking to take that into this year and again, hopefully, playing on a few more guys as well is something I’m looking forward to and something I can use to build on my game.”
Neale enters the season on the back end of a two-year contract.
After an initial period of adjustment to living on the other side of the country, the West Australian is comfortable in Geelong.
“My manager and ‘Mack’ (Cats football boss Andrew Mackie), I’m sure, will figure that all out,” Neale said.
“I’ve found a home here in Geelong. I really like the club. I really like what I’ve got going off-field.
“I’m keen to get into the season and see where it takes me.
But, I’m loving where things are at. But I’ll let things take care of themselves off-field with that.”
X: @krockfootball
