A pillar of the West Coast Eagles’ rebuild is emerging before his teammates’ eyes.
The Eagles added another No.1 pick in Willem Duursma and the most exciting big man in last year’s draft crop in Cooper Duff-Tytler.
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Then there’s Harley Reid who has pieced together his most consistent pre-season at AFL level.
But it’s young forward Jobe Shanahan who has captured the attention of leading defender Reuben Ginbey.
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Ginbey – coming off a career-best season himself – has spent this summer battling against Shanahan and expects him to “give some defenders a headache this year”.
“I played on a lot of those boys this pre-season and Jobe has got super sticky mitts, he marks everything,” he said.
“He’s a bit of a quiet kid but he’s building nicely and it helps with Jake (Waterman) down there but he’s probably our next main man down there now.
“As a second-year player, he’s played probably less than 10 games, but I think he’s going to give some defenders a headache this year.”
The Eagles finished the bottom of the ladder in 2025 after a historically poor season.
Their 2025 campaign was marked by just one win, emphasising the woeful record of just 11 triumphs across their past 95 games.
Shanahan played nine games for 12 goals in his debut season last year, including five shots on goal (3.2) in the final round against Sydney.
The athletic forward will likely lead out to No.1s Reid and Duursma against Gold Coast Suns in the Eagles’ season opener in a fortnight.
Reid and Duursma have formed a strong bond both on and off the field, having moved in with each other.
Ginbey says they’ve bounced off each other all summer and are gearing up for a big season.
“The two boys are getting on pretty well,” Ginbey said with a laugh.
“In terms of how they’re playing their footy, I’ve been super impressed with Duurs. He’s rangy, tall, he’s got such a good step and the way he reads the game.
“Harls as well is looking as fit as he ever has and is primed for a big year … definitely (top picks bounce off each other), I don’t know what No. 1 pick is like and that added pressure.
“I am sure those guys connect but also guys like Bo Allan, you do feel a bit of added pressure but it’s also nice that pressure.”
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