Shannon Neale

Shannon Neale (born 25 July 2002) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for Geelong in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Shannon Neale
Neale in 2024
Personal information
Full name	Shannon Neale
Nickname(s)	Shazza, Scratcher
Date of birth	(2002-07-25) 25 July 2002 (age 23)
Original team(s)	South Fremantle / Jandakot Jets
Draft	No. 33, 2020 national draft
Debut	Round 11, 2022, Geelong vs. Adelaide
Height	203 cm (6 ft 8 in)
Weight	107 kg (236 lb)
Position(s)	Forward / Ruck
Club information
Current club	Geelong
Number	33
Playing career1
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
2022–	Geelong	41 (61)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of round 22, 2025.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Geelong selected with pick 33 in the 2020 AFL draft. Neale made his AFL debut in round 11 of the 2022 AFL season against the Adelaide Crows.^[1]

Junior career

Shannon Neale was educated at Leeming High School and played his juniors at the Jandakot Jets.

In 2019, he won South Fremantle’s Rising Star Award and South Fremantle’s Leading Goalkicker Award. Prior to committing to football with South Fremantle, Neale was a National 400m and 800m runner. Since, he has represented Western Australia at the 2019 Under 16 National Championships, played in the Under 17 Futures All-Star showcase, and ran out for this year's Western Australia Under 18 All-Star clashes.^[2]

Described by Lenny Fogliani, “Neale is a raw ruckman/key forward who has an enormous upside, credit largely to his outstanding athleticism.” ^[2]

AFL career

Neale made his AFL debut in round 11 of the 2022 AFL season against the Adelaide Crows.^[1] Neale continued his rise throughout the 2023 AFL season, playing 3 games and kicking 1 goal.^[3]