West Coast Eagles debutant Jobe Shanahan impresses with a goal and powerful marking against Collingwood
West Coast debutant Jobe Shanahan has kicked his first AFL goal and shown fantastic signs of what he could become as the Eagles are putting enormous pressure on ladder leaders Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.
Shanahan played as both a forward and defender during his junior career and has also played at both ends in the WAFL. But he's playing as a forward in his AFL debut and has showcased plenty of skill.
He flew for several early marks without being able to haul in the ball, but once he got a taste of the game, Shanahan looked comfortable at the highest level.
The Victorian took a brilliant leading mark during the second term and nailed his set shot from about 50m out to put West Coast in front.
Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley was full of praise for what he was witnessing.
'I'm smiling. How composed was he?' he said on Fox Footy.
'First it's the timing to be able to lead up at the right time. Darcy Moore is no slouch in terms of intercepts and that's the second mark he's been able to take out basically at full tilt out in front of him.
'He's only 18 but he's a likely type. He's got really strong legs. He's going to grow and fill out really well. To be able to finish with that composure is excellent.'
West Coast selected Shanahan at pick 30 in last season's national draft. They have had plenty of challenges to fill their key position stocks this season following the departure of Tom Barrass to Hawthorn and Jeremy McGovern being forced to retire due to concussion.
Forwards Oscar Allen and Jake Waterman's injuries have also left West Coast without experienced tall players to kick goals. But Shanahan has given them plenty of confidence that they have a youngster who is powerful in the air.
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