The considered patience Geelong has taken with Shannon Neale is starting to pay off, and Thursday's dominant performance is the reason why.
Neale's first two seasons at the Cats yielded five matches, posing as the depth option to a forward line that consisted of Jeremy Cameron, Tom Hawkins, Gary Rohan, as well as a host of smalls.
Understandably, the Pick 33 in the 2020 National Draft had to bide his time in the VFL before getting his chance.
But the retirements of Hawkins and Rohan have opened a vacancy in the front half that Geelong coach Chris Scott always earmarked for Neale. But when the time was right.
In a high-scoring affair that saw supporters witness 36 goals, the 22-year-old slotted five of them, including two in the final term that ultimately proved to be the difference.
"He's got great potential," Scott said.
"He's an outstanding athlete. I hesitate to say unique, because there are a lot of amazing athletes in the AFL at the moment.
"Track and field background. 400s and 800s. Lightening quick. 203cm and a beautiful kick. But it's one thing being a nice technical kick, but there's another thing being able to deliver in the close games when you really need to.
"We've always been prepared to be patient with him, but I think we've moved past that stage where we're easing into our team. He's an important part of what we do."
The FINISH and the CELLY from Shannon Neale!!!#AFLCatsDogs pic.twitter.com/pPiXcQzdIA
โ 7AFL (@7AFL) May 22, 2025
A career-high game for Neale, recording a whopping 21.5 ratings points, coming from his 16 disposals, 10 contested possessions, three clearances, three marks and 11 score involvements (the most for Geelong).
His versatility also saw him go into the ruck, helping out veteran Rhys Stanley, whilst allowing Sam De Koning to remain in defence, whist giving Swiss Army knife Mark Blicavs to be placed anywhere on the field, including on Marcus Bontempelli.
Neale has played every game in 2025, and is quickly proving that sometimes, good things come to those who wait.
