AFL great Matthew Lloyd sings West Coast Eagles debutant Jobe Shanahan’s praises

One of the AFL’s great goal kickers has lauded West Coast’s latest forward talent, with Matthew Lloyd suggesting Jobe Shanahan could be one of the steals of last year’s draft.

Shanahan became the seventh Eagle to earn his wings in 2025 and instantly showed he belonged at AFL level in West Coast’s spirited 29-point defeat to league leaders Collingwood.

The 18-year-old threw himself into several marking contests early in the match before clunking one on the lead to set up his maiden major.

Shanahan had even shown his versatility at WAFL level, having spent multiple weeks playing out of defence.

However, Essendon champion Lloyd was enamoured with the youngster’s forward craft, suggesting Richmond - who chose multiple forwards ahead of Shanahan before the Eagles swooped at pick 30 - may come to rue not selecting him.

“Just the way he moved you thought ‘gee, they’ve got one here’,” he said on AFL All Access.

“I really liked the mobility of him. His foot skills were sensational.

“So, it’s going to be a watch over the next 10 to 15 years because Richmond selected a number of forwards before him and Shanahan blew out.

“I’ve sort of followed his career a bit because he would play Essendon VFL when he was in the under-18 competition. He was kicking fours and fives at VFL level as an under-18 player.

“He has a beautiful kicking technique as well.”

Shanahan ended his debut with eight touches and three marks to go with his goal.

Lloyd was not the only champion of the AFL to be impressed with the debutant, with former Collingwood coach and player Nathan Buckley full of praise for Shanahan’s performance while on commentary.

“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.”