New Geelong recruit Shaun Mannagh is eyeing a Round 1 debut in 2024

Geelong’s latest mature age recruit has revealed the special family connections to the club which go back more than 40 years.

New Cats player Shaun Mannagh. Picture: Alison Wynd

Geelong’s latest mature aged recruit Shaun Mannagh is eyeing a Round 1 debut next year after being plucked from the VFL at the national draft earlier this week.

It caps off a memorable 2023 for the 26-year-old, who was best-on-ground with a 28-possession, six-goal display for the Tigers in September, following stints with NTFL club Wanderers and Ovens & Murray League outfits Lavington and North Albury.

Mannagh said it had been an emotional 48 hours, with his wife putting up a “beautiful Facebook post” on Wednesday night featuring a picture of him as a young boy.

“She said: ‘You’re doing it for him now’,” Mannagh told reporters outside GMHBA Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

“I feel like a little kid, an Auskicker on his first day ... it’s a bit surreal but I’m looking forward to giving it my best shot.”

Shaun Mannagh is hoping to debut in Round 1. Picture: Alison Wynd

Taken with pick 36, Mannagh’s selection also continues his family’s strong connection to the Cats, with his grandparents life members.

“My grandparents were members here for 40-odd years,” Mannagh said, who grew up as a Western Bulldogs fan.

“They’ve still got the seats here that my aunty and their kids go to now.

“It’s pretty special being here today.”

Mannagh, who will bring experience, pace and goal sense to the Cats in 2024, was hoping to make his debut in Round 1.

“We’ve got 44 ... blokes on the list all vying for the same spot,” Mannagh said.

“I’ve got as much chance as anyone else, I’d like to think I’ll give it my best shot.

“I’ve got the same chance as all the other draftees and everyone else here.

“I’m looking forward to getting to work and showing everyone what I can do.”

Mannagh said he was happy to fill any position for senior coach Chris Scott.

“I’ll play where ever they put me, if it’s down back it’s down back,” he said.

The Norm Goss medallist said he had first spoken to Cats recruiting manager Stephen Wells and general manager of football Andrew Mackie just a few weeks ago.

Mannagh playing against Carlton in the VFL. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I only met ‘Wellsy’ and Andrew a couple of weeks ago, but they did allude to the fact they were interested then,” he said.

“Obviously after the grand final there was a little bit more interest.”

Mannagh said his selection showed talent can be hand-picked from any league, with new Cats teammate Oliver Wiltshire selected after a few seasons with BFNL club Barwon Heads.

“It’s not just the VFL but state leagues and even minor leagues, some blokes just have different career paths,” he said.

“A lot of boys are getting reward for effort.”

Meanwhile, Mannagh is hoping to be in the squad when the Cats venture up to Darwin for the first time for premiership points in May next year.

It will be familiar territory for the 26-year-old, who went up north for the 2020-21 season to play under former AFL premiership player Shannon Motlop with NTFL club Wanderers.

“It was an amazing experience, completely different footy to what I’ve played, really fast and attacking,” he said.

“And very hot.

“It was a surreal experience, and I’m forever grateful to being able to go up there and do that.

“From an attacking point of view, I think that’s certainly helped in my past two years back in Werribee.”

Mannagh said he had recommended that some of his Tigers teammates go up north to expand their games.

Originally published as New Geelong recruit Shaun Mannagh is eyeing a Round 1 debut in 2024