Neale on his goals for this year

I am still working my way into earning the respect of my teammates, I have only played a handful of games and still have a long way to go.

I am looking to build the connection with my teammates, both on the field and off the field that is something I will continue to work on.

I still haven't played a full season, so looking to find more continuity into this year.

Then I just want to have an impact, be a good teammate and the ultimate goal is to win some games which would be great. 

10:19

Round 1 Press Conference | Shannon Neale

Shannon Neale spoke with media ahead of Geelong's Round 1 clash against Fremantle at GMHBA Stadium. Proudly Presented by Ford

Neale on the opportunity ahead of him in 2025

Obviously there is an opportunity there, but I didn't come into this pre-season expecting it to be mine.

I had to work as hard as everyone else to earn it, but there was an opportunity there for me to take it.

I am excited to hopefully run out there on Saturday against Fremantle.

Tom Hawkins and I are different players in terms of what we bring, strengths and weaknesses but I am excited to try and make it my own. 

01:13

The Players Make THEIR Choices

See which Cats the players pick for their awards this season, with Rogue Predictions Proudly Presented by Marathon.

Neale on the experience gained from his first Finals Series

You can't really put a label on the experience you gain from AFL, let alone AFL Finals footy.

It is hot, it is loud and you really have to be up for it, you can't be switched off at any part of it.

Going against the best, I played on guys like Harris Andrews, Jack Payne, Zerk-Thatcher and Aliir Aliir, those really talented and respected defenders.

It was good to get that exposure as well, hopefully it will hold me in good stead going forward. It is invaluable that sort of stuff. 

03:51

Match Sim Training Highlights | Round 1

Watch the players get put through their paces as game week for Round 1 draws closer.

Neale on his focus against Fremantle

Alex Pearce is at the front of my mind, the last I heard is that he is expecting to play, that is the way I am preparing for it.

Last time we played them over in Perth, I got Brennan Cox so I assume I will get one of those two again. Narrowing my focus to those two guys is what I will be doing this week.

Pearce is a really good endurance runner, he is really strong and it is no secret what he can do in a contest.

Cox reads the footy really well, a really good intercept defender so you have to respect him as well.

I have got a clear focus on how I can approach those guys, but I think it will happen from a whole team perspective.