Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Jobe Shanahan Jake Waterman praise has come after West Coast Eagles’ one-point loss to North Melbourne, with the young forward defending the senior spearhead following another painful late set-shot miss.

Waterman hit the post from 35 metres out with 45 seconds left against North Melbourne, a week after missing two late chances in a six-point defeat to Port Adelaide. The 2024 All-Australian has still produced 31.37 from 14 matches this season.

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Shanahan backs Waterman after late miss

"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."

Waterman’s finishing has drawn attention, but his marking, work rate and leading patterns continue to give West Coast Eagles a reliable focal point. For young forwards such as Shanahan, Archer Reid and Cooper Duff-Tytler, his movement and contest work remain clear examples to follow.

Shanahan shows his own promise

"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 was quiet in the first half against North Melbourne, finishing with only two disposals before lifting sharply after the main break.

The 19-year-old ended with five contested marks and 3.2, becoming 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 reached that mark at a younger age.

"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 Eagles, now 4-10, have a bye before facing Carlton at Marvel Stadium on June 27.