Eastern Park’s Shawn Mansell kicks 100 goals in 2024

A star local footy forward has become the second player to reach 100 goals this season, taking just 13 games to achieve the milestone. Watch the goal and wild celebrations.

Another local SA footy forward has reached 100 goals in season 2024, achieving the feat in just 13 appearances.

Eastern Park star Shawn Mansell needed eight goals during the Demons’ 26.22 (178) to 2.2 (14) win over Rosewater at home to reach the milestone for the first time in his career and he kicked exactly that, booting his 100th early in the final term.

The dominant forward was on the end of some accurate and consistent service from the host midfield through the first three terms, but intercepted a kick from Rosewater’s fullback 20 metres out in the fourth quarter to set up his eighth major of the day.

Mansell, who took a year off in 2023, has been a top contributor in the Demons forward line through a number of years but had not yet reached 100 in a season.

He has become the second player to tally the tonne in 2024 after Para Hills star Daniel Weetra made the mark a week prior.

Eastern Park players mob Shawn Mansell in celebration after his 100th goal of the season. Picture: Supplied

“It has definitely been a long time coming,” Mansell said of the achievement.

“I remember being stranded in the 90s in 2017, which wasn’t fun, but to finally kick 100, in front of a home crowd as well, was really special.

“When I intercepted and took the mark I sort of looked back at my teammates and smiled, as a full forward you wish all your chances are in that position.

“I was relieved to put it through and the celebrations were great – there were plenty of drinks floating around after the game.”

Mansell had debated whether he would return to the game or not after taking 2023 off but decided to lace up the boots for the Eastern Park again this year after the Demons suffered relegation to division six at the end of last season.

Eastern Park star Shawn Mansell. Picture: Eastern Park Football Club

After missing round one, the skilled and powerful forward kicked eight in against Houghton Districts and would go on to boot bags of 10, 13 and 16 on his way to 100.

Mansell and the returning Chris Knapp, who sits on 85 goals after 14 games, have the Demons sitting in second place on the division six ladder, just below an undefeated Salisbury.

“I figured I’d put my body through it one more time after seeing the club get relegated but this will likely be my last year,” Mansell said.

“We’ve managed to retain a really good young core and get a good mix of young and experienced players back to the club and I think that has resulted in a really good team makeup and consistency on the park.

“We can absolutely compete with the best sides in the division and go all the way but we need to remain level-headed and not get complacent ahead of finals.”