AFL

Eagles praise 'freak' Waterman despite goalkicking yips

Jun 17, 2026

Jake Waterman of the Eagles — Jake Waterman has played a key role in the development of West Coast's young forwards. -AAP Image

West Coast rising star Jobe Shanahan has described Jake Waterman as a freak, praising the spearhead for the role he's been playing in the club's young forward line.

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Waterman's goalkicking yips have been a big talking point this year, with the issue reaching fever pitch in recent losses to Port Adelaide and North Melbourne.

The 2024 All-Australian had the chance to win the game against the Kangaroos last week with a 35m set shot from straight in front, but hit the post with just 45 seconds remaining in the one-point loss.

It came a week after Waterman missed two crunch final-quarter shots in a six-point loss to Port Adelaide.

"It's not his fault at all," Shanahan said of Waterman's late miss against North Melbourne.

"Obviously, we wrap our arms around him and support him, but there's heaps of moments in the game that we could have taken.

"We never look at one moment. He (Waterman) was a freak again. He just works his arse off. He doesn't get beaten."

Apart from his goalkicking wobbles, Waterman has been in hot form this year, with his return of 31.37 from 14 games showing how many chances he's creating.

Waterman's strong marking, huge work rate and elite leading patters have been the perfect example for the likes of Shanahan, Archer Reid and Cooper Duff-Tytler to follow.

"He's just been a great leader in that forward line," Shanahan said.

"We have a forward meeting most days, so it's good to just hear his knowledge.

"And then as an individual he is always out there on the field telling me where to be and sort of hyping me up and stuff. He's been elite for me."

Shanahan is being widely tipped for future super stardom, with his strong marking already earning him the nickname 'Shanahands'.

The 19-year-old was held to just two disposals in the first half against North Melbourne, but exploded after the main break to finish with a whopping five contested marks and 3.2.

It meant Shanahan became the sixth-youngest player in AFL history to combine five contested marks with three goals.

Only Jack Darling, Jay Schulz, Joe Daniher, Jeremy Cameron and Aaron Naughton achieved the feat younger.

"My favourite part of footy is probably marking, so it was a good feeling to be able to clunk some in the end," Shanahan said.

West Coast (4-10) have a bye this week before facing a resurgent Carlton (5-8) at Marvel Stadium on June 27.