Local draft prospects Jobe Shanahan and James Barrat are acclimatising to their new lives as AFL players, getting acquainted with the facilities and environment at their new homes.
Over on the west coast, Moama’s Shanahan is taking his first steps as an Eagle, meeting teammates and participating in his first training session with his new club.
The St Joseph’s College student joins Tongala native Harley Reid and Echuca’s Noah Long at West Coast, solidifying Perth as a hub for local talent.
The Moama tall was a shock slider to the second round at the AFL Draft, eventually grabbed by the Eagles with the 30th overall selection.
Speaking to the media at his first press conference as an Eagle, Shanahan indicated his willingness to do what it takes to get on an AFL ground.
“I don’t really care where I play. I just want to play,” Shanahan said.
“I’ll play as a key back or a key forward, it doesn’t really bother me too much.”
“I’ve had more experience in the forward line but last year at the Pioneers I played my best footy down back, so either-or really.”
The 195cm key-position player will don number 35 in his first season, the same number once worn by Ben Cousins at the outset of his Eagles career.
Currently living with Bendigo product Tom Cole as he acclimatises to life in Perth, Shanahan is ready to do the work to help continue the youth movement at West Coast.
“I just want to build myself up day-by-day, week-by-week, so I’m not really setting long-term goals at the moment,” Shanahan said.
“Every kid wants to play round one, but it’s pretty hard. You’ve got to work your way up and prove yourself.
“We’ve got a lot of new recruits, new draftees and even a new coach, so I think it’s a time to build, and it’s pretty cool to be part of, I think.”
Closer to home, Leitchville-Gunbower Football Netball Club representative James Barrat is beginning life as a Saint after joining St Kilda as the 32nd pick of this year's draft.
Barrat said on St Kilda’s social media that the club and squad had been welcoming and friendly in his first days as an AFL player.
Adding to the list of St Joseph’s College products in the AFL, Barrat, who completed his final year of schooling in Bendigo, joins a seven-strong draft class for the Saints, including friend and fellow Pioneer Tobie Travaglia.
Barrat fought through injury in 2023 to be the Pioneers’ 2024 best-and-fairest winner, and is now looking to make his mark in the AFL.
The new Saint celebrated his 18th birthday on November 23, the Saturday after the draft, although frequenters of the club’s social media have encountered some amusing discourse around Barrat’s true age.
Many online feel he looks much older than his 18 years, some even suggesting someone check his birth certificate.
This prompted the Saints to post ‘proof’ of Barrat’s status, an image of the local product with a handwritten sign reading ‘I am 18’.
Shanahan and Barrat each have a long pre-season ahead of them before they may have the opportunity to make their AFL debuts in round one 2025.
Both clubs begin their season on Sunday, March 16, St Kilda travelling to Adelaide to take on the Crows and West Coast hosting the Gold Coast Suns.