This is a kid who I see some potential in currently playing colts at East Perth in the WAFL. Was not selected in state U/18's and is not a flashy player but just does the easy thing. I have seen him on about 7 or 8 occasions this season and have only seen him have one bad game, the kid doesn't scream star quality but just has something about him I like.

He is very clean with his hands and a good decision maker, who seems to have time and space when he gets the ball. He is currently being played as an outside midfielder and would like to see him used more in an inside role.Shanahan's good decision making may be the reason behind the outside role, but the kid is a good size around the 6ft to 6ft 1inch in the old.

I have only seen him play once as an inside mid, which was a change made during the first quarter due to an injury to a team mate. Showed ability in being able to find his own footy and used his bigger body to hold off opponents and dispose of the ball well. When in close he showed fast and clean hands which was what stood out most for me.

Shanahan is not being talked about much and he may slip under the radar and IMO could be worth a late pick or at worst a rookie selection

Shanahan's good decision making may be the reason behind the outside role, but the kid is a good size around the 6ft to 6ft 1inch in the old.

Wow a lot shorter than brother Jamie.

Shanahan stepped up from the colts yesterday for a full game in the 2's and held is own against some bigger opponents. His side was well beaten but he continued to find plenty of ball. Another good performance in the 2's again next week will see him going close to seniors call up.

See this kid as a late bolter who has slipped under the radar due to injuries in the 16's and as an underage colt last season. Is heading to state combine and now has North & Lions both interested.

Will keep an eye on how this kid goes. What are your thoughts on Patrick Cripps?

Will keep an eye on how this kid goes. What are your thoughts on Patrick Cripps?

Similar in build to Shanahan, probably a better tank, but IMO Shanahan uses the ball better. Cripps is very much a similar type and mould to Marco Paparone

Similar in build to Shanahan, probably a better tank, but IMO Shanahan uses the ball better. Cripps is very much a similar type and mould to Marco Paparone

Thanks for the info PSD. I liked what I saw of Cripps at the champs and looks to have built some solid form since.

I’m interested in a couple of lads who have been racking up the touches in the West, Brendan Lee and Shane Nelson. Saw a little bit of Lee when he was drafted by Essendon and largely playing for Bendigo. Looks to have a solid build and reasonable skills and strong inside, thought he was a bit stiff to be delisted after one year. Nelson looked draftable (certainly as a rookie), but has been ignored. Have you seen much of these two?

Thanks for the info PSD. I liked what I saw of Cripps at the champs and looks to have built some solid form since.

I’m interested in a couple of lads who have been racking up the touches in the West, Brendan Lee and Shane Nelson. Saw a little bit of Lee when he was drafted by Essendon and largely playing for Bendigo. Looks to have a solid build and reasonable skills and strong inside, thought he was a bit stiff to be delisted after one year. Nelson looked draftable (certainly as a rookie), but has been ignored. Have you seen much of these two?

Lee has been excellent every time I have seen him (6 times live at least this season), he is a big time leader of the Royals on the field and certainly knows how to find the pill, lacks some speed but good honest player. Would be depth player and maybe just a step up from a Tom Couch type. Nelson I really like showing a bit of West Perth bias with him but his workrate is exceptional, very good outside player who can float off half back or play outside through the midfield. The kid is a running machine with an appetite for hard work. He does have a light frame and was looked over because of major health issues in 2011, which set him back. He started 2012 slowly and built up through the season coming back from illness and finished strongly. Can he get big enough not sure, but has the speed, attitude and tank to play at AFL level

Cheers mate, appreciate your thoughts. Nice to get a western perspective.

Young Shanahan finished second in the BNF for WAFL Colts last night behind Jacob GREEN of East Freo by 6 votes having played around 4 or 5 games less.Well worth a look at finishing the season off strong, clearance machine last week for East Perth colts with 37 possessions finding his own ball.

I know Lions & Roos are keen and been asking a lot of question. Kent won this award last year and slipped under the radar of a few clubs. East Perth Colts season is over and will see if he gets a call up for their Ressies or Seniors who are both in finals this weekend.

Tom Shanahan sounds alright

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-10-13/wa-bolters-emerge?utm_medium=RSS

An excert from Knightmare's phantom draft:

#62 Essendon - Thomas Shanahan (WA – Mid)
Height: 183cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: 28/04/1995
Recruited from: East Perth
Style:
Player comparison:
Range: 30-rookie
Profile: Shanahan is someone who has really made a case for selection with some incredibly impressive production. He’s winning his own footy inside the contest but also finding plenty of it outside and linking up well. He’s a strong tackler and plays a solid two way game. He’s got excellent endurance and runs all day. He’s not the most damaging user of the footy and not a freak athlete but he’s still been exceptionally impressive and is deserving of selection.

I have been watching the kid all year and he has continuously developed. Whoever takes him is getting a very solid player who will make the grade IMO. Just continues to improve and anything is possible for him

If FOOTY TRAGIC says his kicking is not his strength, that raises alarm bells for me, even if he gets a pass. We really do need to bring in elite or close to elite kicks if we're to compete with the best midfields:-

#44 THOMAS SHANAHAN

Height: 185cm, Weight: 78kg, DOB: 28/4/1995

Recruited from: East Perth

Shanahans a midfielder from East Perth whos slipped under the radar somewhat, but his season and State Screening results really grabbed some attention.

He clocked 8 seconds in the agility test which wouldve ranked in the top few percent at the Combine, ran a 2.93 second 20m sprint and also a 13.8 beep which saw him rank third behind Ben Sokol (14.1) and Jacob Green (13.13). State Screening tests are completed within the one day so the lower beep test results are to be expected.

Shanahan is mostly an outside midfielder but he has shown the ability to win the contested ball and gain clearances. He really burrows in when its his go and is really good at getting a quick-release handball to the advantage of a teammate.

Shanahans kicking is not his strength from what Ive seen but it gets a pass mark. He has shown good creativity around goals from quick snaps, but overall hes not a massive goal-kicker which is something he could improve on, especially with his running ability.

You normally just assume from outside midfielders that theyre soft but the part I enjoy most about Shanahans game is his courage. His overhead ability is really good and hes taken many marks going back with the flight with no hesitation.

Hes sometimes not one-touch below his knees which makes him rush a kick or not be able to burst away but when he does his break away speed is excellent.

Ive seen him lay a few run-down tackles during the season, and generally I think he does play a two-way game to go with his intercept marking capabilities.

Shanahan did not play for Western Australia in the National Champs but he had a really good season in the Colts, averaging over 24 disposals a game which earned him a spot in the WAFL Reserves in the latter part of the season in which he did quite well.

His athletic attributes combined with courage and overhead ability give me enough reasons to think hes good enough to be in this group albeit with limited exposure. I wouldve loved to have seen him in the Champs because I think he couldve made some noise.