It’s challenging to make a name for yourself when you’re part of a forward line that includes All-Australians Jeremy Cameron, Patrick Dangerfield, and Tyson Stengle.
However, it’s also becoming increasingly difficult for AFL supporters to overlook the performance of Geelong forward Shaun Mannagh.
“He hasn’t gone unnoticed by us, but we encounter him regularly,” said Geelong coach Chris Scott following Mannagh’s performance of 24 possessions, 11 tackles, and three goals in the Cats’ victory against St Kilda last Sunday.
He plays a crucial role in how we perform, which is significant considering he hasn’t been on our list for very long. He has become essential in a short time.
Mannagh was selected at the age of 26 in 2023 following a series of outstanding VFL matches for Werribee that were hard for selectors to overlook.
Six goals from 28 disposals, which saw him perform best on ground in the VFL grand final, highlighted his promise. The Cats selected him with the 36th pick two months later.
“Last year, which was my initial season, focused on understanding how we aim to play and embodying the role of a ‘Geelong footballer’,” Mannagh stated.
Mannagh learnt quickly.
Having had a preliminary experience at AFL level during the previous season, he then focused on playing in the VFL. By round 17, he had returned to the senior squad, accumulating 20 disposals and making 14 tackles.
“Reflecting on it, he ought to have entered in the first round and remained there,” Scott mentioned last year.
Mannagh has averaged 18 disposals, four tackles, and 1.3 goals per game in 2025, emerging as a crucial player for the Cats team aiming to reach its peak in September.
“Everything hinges on running at the right moment,” Mannagh remarked.
We accomplished that last year and came close to a grand final. The finals are still a long way off, and we have much to improve over the next five weeks.
Last week, we discussed that we may have slightly lost our edge. Clearly, Scotty and the coaches have been around for a long time, and we have many premiership players who understand how to succeed.
The Cats will sharpen their performance against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, concluding the season with games against Port Adelaide, Essendon, Sydney, and Richmond.
Should the Cats maintain a strong defensive presence in the forward half, Mannagh is assured that goals will keep flowing.
“A collective mindset exists — we aim to ensure our defense is solid,” Mannagh stated.
We need to adopt a defensive approach and then achieve positive outcomes from it. With Jez (Jeremy Cameron) in the forward line, he’s scored 700 goals and is leading the Coleman Medal. That’s truly remarkable.
Now that Tys (Stengle) is back, you can observe the impact he has on our team. He really brings us into line, applies that forward pressure, and encourages the rest of us to do the same.
We enjoy playing as a team and we’re only beginning to explore our potential.
