Shanahan was selected in the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships Under-18 Boys All-Australian team, after impressive performances for Allies throughout the competition.
“I was pretty surprised at the start, to be honest,” Shanahan said.
“I thought I had a couple of good games, maybe three good games. My first one was all right, but I just worked my way up.
“I was a bit shocked, and then I was just honoured really to get that selection and have my name there.”
Shanahan, named centre half-forward in the All-Australian side, averaged 12.3 disposals, 1.3 goals and 5.5 marks per contest in his four games for Allies.
His campaign was highlighted by a 16-disposal, three-goal, nine-mark explosion in the final game against Victoria Country.
Listed at 194cm, Shanahan used his height to good effect, leading the championship in contested marks with eight.
Shanahan recognised the strength of competition in the national championships but kept the focus on his own game.
“I didn’t find it too much different from Talent League,” he said.
“Obviously, there are a lot of more skilled players, everyone’s at the same skill level, but you’ve just got to still play the same way you would back in Talent League and put all that work rate in.”
Fellow Moama prospect Lachie Hogan linked up with Allies mid-way through the campaign, with Shanahan appreciating having a familiar face in the squad.
“It was really good for banter because that's what (Hogan’s) there for, he loves a bit of banter,” Shanahan said.
“Obviously, he's worked very hard this year, deserved it heaps, and he probably should have got (selection) since that first game, but he worked his way into it.”
With the season nearing its end and the draft fast approaching, Shanahan has a whirlwind few months ahead as he prepares for November.
After working with Essendon in pre-season, Shanahan has linked up with the Bombers again and is set to make his VFL debut for the Dons at the weekend.
Also, ahead are the Bendigo Pioneers’ remaining three games in the Coates Talent League and a potential finals appearance for Moama if the Pios season is ended early.
Then it’s on to the Draft Combine in October and the AFL Draft on November 20-21.
Overall, Shanahan is pleased with the progress he has made so far in his draft year.
“I think it has gone pretty well,” he said.
“At the start of the year, it was a bit rocky, but as we’ve gone on, I think I picked up a bit of form.
“I probably didn’t play my best on the weekend, but the weeks before that, I was in good form.
“Lots of positives with the Champs and being in that All-Australian team, but always want to keep improving.”
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