When you think of any big, strong key forward in the AFL, the mind immediately goes to scoreboard impact and perhaps their marking prowess in a contest. 

But the style of the modern game is not necessarily conducive to one dimensional players, with those that can add different elements to their play often rewarded and standing out amongst the rest. 

For Geelong, Shannon Neale has been that player in 2026. 

His journey has been well documented, staying patient and waiting in the wings for his opportunity at the top level, before it finally came knocking midway through the 2024 season. 

Consistency since then has been a feature for Neale, playing in all but one game from the start of 2025 until now, forming a strong partnership next to Jeremy Cameron inside forward 50. 

The statistics paint a clear picture of his impact in 2026, but perhaps not in the way that many might think. 

Of course, Neale has still been able to hit the scoreboard, kicking 27 goals from 15 games this year, which includes a five-goal haul against Fremantle in Round 1 and another four goals against Hawthorn on Easter Monday. 

His goal tally for the season is currently second at Geelong behind Jeremy Cameron and 15th in the AFL, backing up a strong year in 2025 where he finished in a tie for 15th in the Coleman Medal. 

But digging a little deeper, Neale's ability to impact the play further up the ground and his pressure on opposition ballcarriers has also been a telling factor throughout the campaign. 

To this point of the season, Neale leads Geelong and ranks fourth in the AFL for tackles inside 50, while also sitting sixth at the club for total tackles which is a remarkable achievement for a 203cm tall key forward. 

Among all key forwards in the competition, he leads for total pressure acts with an average of 12.5 per game, well clear of the next best in that category. 

Most Pressure Acts - Key Forwards (According to AFL Stats)

Away from the pressure game, Neale has also proven to be more than capable of pushing up the ground and getting involved in the play, to then help set up teammates inside 50. 

With 12 goal assists, the big Cat ranks fourth at the club in that statistic and third for all key forwards across the competition, only trailing St Kilda's Cooper Sharman and the Bulldogs' Aaron Naughton in that category. 

He has also amassed 95 score involvements, the equal-third most of any Geelong player in 2026 and inside the competition's top 30 players for that statistic. 

Another area where he has excelled is his marking ability, taking 20 contested marks which is the ninth most of any player in the AFL, including 31 marks inside 50 which ranks 13th in the league. 

Neale is also able to pinch hit in the ruck when needed, ranking second at Geelong behind Mitch Edwards for hit-outs to advantage. 

All in all, he is averaging career-high numbers in disposals, goals, inside 50s, contested possessions and goal assists, a sensational season so far for the 23-year-old in just his second full season at AFL level.