Jobe Shanahan will be the latest Eagle to take flight with West Coast set to unleash the Bendigo product against Collingwood on Saturday night.

The 18-year-old learned of his fate at training with coach Andrew McQualter, raising the stakes as he lined up for a set shot on goal on Wednesday.

“’Mini’ stopped everyone right when I was going to kick it,” Shanahan said.

“He said, ‘if you kick this, you’ll be playing AFL this weekend’.

“Pretty shocked really. When he said that, I was really excited to be playing and to have all my family there means a lot.”

Picked up as a key forward with pick 30 in last year’s draft, Shanahan has transitioned into defence in the WAFL and impressed, most recently picking up 20 disposals against Peel before the bye.

“I’ve been working hard with the coaches on my craft and physicality. I’ve taken a lot from that and will continue to learn,” Shanahan said.

“I came here as a key forward, but I’ve now learned the back line craft, which gives me insight into what my defender will be doing which has really helped my development.”

McQualter said Shanahan has been building his form over a number of weeks, but had gone to another level in the past month.

“He’s probably played his best two games in the last two games,” McQualter said.

“Jobe is a really talented player. He’s starting to build his craft around the contest.

“At times he can look a little bit laconic, but he’s a really good competitor Jobe, so we’ve liked that in his game.”

Shanahan is set for a baptism of fire as the bottom-placed Eagles face the ladder-leading Collingwood as they look to become the first side in 20 years to cause a top versus bottom boilover.

However, Shanahan said he won’t be overawed by the challenge, saying he’s excited to have a crack in front of family.

“It’s definitely a pinch myself moment,” Shanahan said.

“When all the boys got around me I got so excited, no clue what was going on but keen to get out there and have a crack on Marvel.

“To do it in front of family will be great, they’ll all be there watching and supporting. I’m really keen and excited to get out there.”