The AFL Draft is tonight and Moama’s Jobe Shanahan is set to find out his destiny as the 18 AFL franchises weigh up their future direction.
“I'm starting to get a bit nervous, obviously I'm always thinking about it,” said Shanahan.
“It's hard to keep my mind off it, but obviously, it doesn't matter where I go, it's just about the opportunity I get really.”
Its been a whirlwind draft year for Shanahan who has played for the AFL Academy, the Allies at the under-18 National Championships, and the Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League all in 2024.
The prospect even took the chance to suit up for home club Moama in the Murray League finals series.
Shanahan has impressed wherever he has played, and current projections have him featuring in the mid to late first round of the draft, which this year will feature 23 selections.
ESPN’s latest power rankings have Shanahan at 17, while AFL.com sees Richmond, Port Adelaide, GWS, West Coast or Sydney as potential destinations for the Moama key forward.
Shanahan was diplomatic about his preferred destination as clubs jockey to secure his services tonight.
“I think everyone thinks about it a little bit, but anything can happen on the night, so you just never know really,” he said.
Shanahan put together an impressive resume in 2024, named an All-Australian at the Under-18 National Championships and averaging two goals per game in the Coates Talent League.
However, it was recent performances in the VFL with Essendon that put the finishing touches on his draft stocks.
In three games with the Bombers, Shanahan kicked 11 goals, starting with 4.0 against Northern Bullants, booting two against the Gold Coats Suns and slotting five in a match-up with Coburg.
His time with the club gave Shanahan a valuable insight into the professional processes of an AFL organisation.
“It was a great opportunity,” he said.
“I obviously played a lot of senior footy back at Moama, so I know what it's like to play against those bigger bodies.
“When I got there, I just tried to learn as much as I could during training and also tried to take in as much I could during the games, and I felt like I fit in pretty well.”
“At most trainings we watched some vision and went through some slideshows before we went out on track, so it was good to see how they went about it and how they taught their players.”
Moama Football Netball Cub has been a big part of Shanahan’s development.
The Magpies missed out on the Murray League grand final for the third straight season.
Shanahan suited up in all three lost prelims and was disappointed to not get his home side through the glass ceiling before departing, but is appreciative of all the club has given him during his years with the Mowers.
“Definitely pretty disappointed (about the prelim),” Shanahan said.
“We all just tried our best, but again it wasn't enough.
“I think there were a couple of moments that should have gone our way, but you can't do much about it.”
So many people contribute to the journey of an AFL prospect, Shanahan singling out his parents, Matt Carnie of Moama and the Pioneers, and Pioneers head coach Danny O’Bree as some of the key figures in his journey, as well as his mates at school for providing an outlet away from the focus on his career.
The AFL Draft begins tonight at 7pm.
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