Image: Roberto Filitti
The North Sunshine Eagles have re-secured the services of exciting young forward Lewis Shannon, who re-joins the club after a short spell with Green Gully.
The 19-year-old spent a season and a half at Larissa Reserve before his departure mid-term last campaign, netting a total of 13 league goals.
Shannon made his senior debut almost three years ago as a 17-year-old for Sunshine George Cross where he showed plenty of promise.
A league debut against the North Geelong Warriors saw the teenager score 12 minutes after coming on in a memorable 4-3 come-from-behind victory at Chaplin Reserve.
The tall forward netted a further goal and in total appeared in 13 league games for the Georgies under Tony Ciantar before his move to the Eagles in 2015.
At North Sunshine, he featured alongside his older brother Miles Shannon and was an integral part of Paul Donnelly’s squad despite his young age.
The late-season move to Green Gully Reserve saw him feature three times off the bench after making his debut in a 1-0 away win over the Oakleigh Cannons last August.
A maiden top-flight goal followed in a 4-2 final round defeat to South Melbourne, with the youngster’s well-taken volley one of the highlights of the day.
With Gully re-signing the likes of Matthew Breeze, Jay Davies and Nick Krousoratis alongside the additions of Josh Barresi, Alex Caniglia, Wade Dekker and Sami Nour, first-team opportunities were restricted for Shannon, who makes the short move back to North Sunshine.
At the Eagles he is likely to be reunited with strike partner and 2016 State League One Golden Boot winner Diellon Memishi and new signing Reardo Luka, with Arben Isai’s men expected to be captained by returning favourite Shane Rexhepi.
Shannon was thrilled to be reunited with his former teammates and told the club, “I’m looking forward to being back. I didn’t want to miss the 2017 season at NSEFC,” he said.
“We have so many quality players and of course the culture within the change rooms is a massive reason I’m coming back to help my club achieve the goal we have set.”
Head coach Isai was full of praise for Shannon who turns 20 later this month and spoke of his desire to improve the talented youngster’s game in 2017.
“We have seen Lewis grow over the last few years. He had so much talent at a young age (and) we are glad that he is back,” he told NSEFC Media.
“My aim is to make sure he continues to unlock his talent and improve his already impressive characteristics. He was a key player for us before his move so naturally he will fit straight in,” Isai reinforced.
North Sunshine are expected to be one of the leading contenders for promotion in the North-West with 2016 Champions Altona Magic, Preston Lions and Keilor Park the others tipped to do well this year.