Helps to add a player of his age in a bracket we are pretty sparse in too. Can come in and have an immediate impact. We don't currently have anyone on our list that is of a similar profile to him. Love his raw power.
Senior 7. Shaun Mannagh (2023 - )
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Wojcinski
Brownlow Medallist
reminds me of Boomer Harvey
He has a similar style to Nick Watson too.
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The guy would be a marked man in the VFL as well. Will be a very dangerous guy as effectively the 5th banana as far as goal kicking threat goes behind Cameron, Hawkins, Stengle and Henry. We just need to be able to get the ball down there!
Stokey
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Getting Papley vibes but Papley doesn't perform in Grand Finals so Mannagh might be better.
Werribee’s Shaun Mannagh has emerged as a VFL top-liner and an AFL draft prospect at age 25
Four goals and 40 possessions have lifted 25-year-old Shaun Mannagh into the limelight and AFL mid-season draft discussions, writes PAUL AMY.4 min read
April 13, 2023 - 12:00PM
Shaun Mannagh’s incredible start to the season at Werribee has him in AFL club’s sights as a mature-age draft prospect.
Steve Daniel liked what he saw of Shaun Mannagh.
It’s just that the Southport coach saw too much of him.
The VFL season is but a pup.
But it’s safe to say that by the end of it, Mannagh’s round 3 performance for Werribee against Southport will be recorded as one of the best individual efforts of 2023.
The right-footer had 40 possessions and kicked four goals in an impressive and important 23-point away win for the Tigers.
In doing so he gave AFL clubs assessing mid-season draft prospects something to think about.
His first goal was from a left-foot snap.
Another was slotted from 50m.
And the other two were on-the-run efforts after dashes deep into the forward line.
Each goal caught the eye, and the Southport defence unawares.
“Very impressive player,’’ Sharks coach Daniel says of 25-year-old Mannagh.
“He’s a matchwinner. He’s special.
“His running capacity is elite. It’s AFL-elite, an AFL attribute.’’
He adds: “Ovens and Murray, isn’t he?’’
Daniel made his reputation coaching in Victorian country football, and he knows his leagues and clubs.
Mannagh did come out of the strong Ovens and Murray competition, going through the grades at Lavington and then North Albury.
He had two years in the TAC Cup with the Murray Bushrangers too.
But Mannagh was born at Werribee (the family moved to Albury when he was 18 months old) and indeed had ties with its football club before joining it ahead of 2020.
His grandfather, Joe, was a property steward with the Bees for about 30 years.
His father, Craig, played under 19s football there in the 1980s.
Other relatives remain sponsors and supporters of the club.
There’s a Brisbane Lions connection to Mannagh’s football too.
Jason Akermanis was his coach at North Albury in 2015 and ’16.
Mannagh booted 36 goals in his second season under ‘Aker’ and Akermanis arranged for three of his players – Mannagh, Dom Brew and Lachan Tanner Nugent – to do a week of pre-season training with Richmond’s VFL squad.
Akermanis’s Lions premiership teammate Craig McRae was coaching the Tigers.
Mannagh made the list and figured in Richmond’s grand final side.
The Tigers lost to Port Melbourne with a kick after the siren.
Akermanis saw something special in Mannagh through their shared time at the North Albury Hoppers. Picture: Simon Dallinger/NCA
When Richmond won the 2019 grand final, Mannagh was watching on, squeezed out of the side.
His consolation came from playing in Lavington’s premiership and jagging the medal as best-afield.
“With the list being so healthy there weren’t many spots up for grabs in those years I was at Richmond,’’ he says.
The prospect of more opportunity at a stand-alone club – and his family ties – led him to Werribee.
“I just thought I needed to play every week to put my best foot forward,’’ he says.
“I learned so much at Richmond, and I thought it would hold me in good stead going forward.’’
Mannagh was runner-up in Werribee’s best-and-fairest in the shortened 2021 season and, promoted to a vice-captain, finished third last season and was named in the VFL team of the year.
Every year, he says, he’s tried to develop aspects of his game.
Heading into 2022, his priority was to improve his speed and his size.
This year it was about his endurance, repeat efforts and his use of the ball.
“Just trying to get better one way or another,’’ Mannagh says.
When the 40 possessions and four goals against Southport are mentioned, he responds: “Pretty good. But I’m not sure of the efficiency. I’ve messaged the coaches and asked for my efficiency stats, because that’s what I’m keen on at the moment.’’
As for taking the eye of recruiters: “Maybe I have. A lot of it doesn’t get relayed to me. I just try to keep my head down and work hard. I’d like to hope so. I think I’ve been playing some OK footy, in the past two years especially. That only happens after your team’s had a bit more success. If we keep winning hopefully there’s some more attention.’’
On this week’s VFL podcast, Werribee coach Michael Barlow said he challenged Mannagh at halftime against the Sharks.
He said his acting captain “might have drifted away (from the way the Bees wanted to play) … only for a really short period, but I find it’s important to challenge in particular our leaders … from there it’s the best half of football I’ve seen him play in our colours’’.
Mannagh continues to improve in Werribee’s black and gold. Picture: Supplied
When CODE Sports messaged McRae about Mannagh’s slashing outing against the Sharks, the Collingwood coach observed that his former player “always had an appetite to improve’’.
Mannagh says McRae was “awesome for my development’’.
“When you come in, it’s all about yourself and how you can improve. He really instilled that connection and team-first mentality, which you see happening at Collingwood now.’’
There was no rest for Mannagh after the star turn against Southport.
Werribee flew back on Saturday night. On Sunday morning he headed for Myrtleford to watch Lavington Panthers, then drove on to see his family in Albury.
He was back in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon, then set off for training from his home in Mordialloc to Chirnside Park.
Mannagh, the sports co-ordinator at Altona College, wears the No 6 jumper, which Barlow also wore at Werribee.
Barlow, of course, was drafted from the Bees as a mature-age recruit and went on to a worthy AFL career.
Mannagh is trying to take the same path as his coach.
“That’s always been the dream and the goal,’’ he says.
“The older you get it’s harder and harder to achieve. We’re pushing for some success at Werribee and with that comes rewards for individuals.
“If that’s the case for me, that would be awesome. If not, I’m more than happy playing at Werribee.’’
Pure_Ownage
TheBrownDog
100 %.
Only two years older than Tim Kelly (at the time of his drafting). He's potentially got seven years of quality football ahead of him.
Last edited:
If he is good enough he should still havd another 5 years of AFL footy in him which is roughly 100 games.
Regardless of finals id still call that a good return if he slots in right away.
* Ahem * James Kelly's shoes
MANNAGH'S MAGICAL MOMENT: I've worked my whole life for this
By Brent Godde
Updated November 22 2023 - 5:26pm, first published 4:54pm
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Shaun Mannagh is officially a Cat after being selected by Geelong with pick 36 at the AFL Draft on Tuesday night.
Pure elation.
That's how Shaun Mannagh summed up the magical moment he heard his name called out and was taken by Geelong with pick 36 in the AFL National Draft on Tuesday night.
Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale beats Collingwood's Nick Daicos and Western Bulldogs' Marcus Bontempelli for AFL's highest honour.
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CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
"To hear my name called out was pure elation," Mannagh said.
"I've worked my whole life for this moment.
"To be surrounded by family and friends who have been by my side every step of the way made it even more special.
"Just to see their emotions and how much it meant to them as well was fairly surreal for me personally.
"I'm chuffed at the moment but realise that I've only given myself an opportunity to play AFL and that I need to work harder than I ever have now to make that happen."
Mannagh (centre) in 2013.
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Mannagh revealed he managed to keep the nerves at bay in the lead-up to Tuesday night's draft.
"I was fine and really calm and just had the attitude of whatever happens, happens," he said.
"As soon as the draft started and the first couple of picks were called out, I suddenly became nervous.
"I think that was just because of the anticipation more than anything else.
"I was anticipating it to be a longer night and being picked up a bit later, so I'm just grateful Geelong saw something in me to pick me as early as they did.
"Now I just can't wait to repay the faith the club has shown in me.
"I had a few chats with Geelong as well as a few other clubs in the lead-up to the draft but they don't give much away when you meet with them.
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"To be honest, I was happy to go to any AFL club but growing up as a kid, I was a massive fan of the Western Bulldogs.
"But my mum, Julie, is a Cats fan and she is thrilled at the prospect that she might get to see her son run around in the Cats' colours."
Mannagh in action for Werribee this season.
Mannagh enjoyed an outstanding season with Werribee after finishing fifth in the JJ Liston medal for the best and fairest in the VFL.
The explosive midfielder-forward arguably produced the best performance of his career in the recent VFL grand final which the Tigers lost against Gold Coast.
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Mannagh claimed the Norm Goss medal for best on ground despite playing in a losing side after his breathtaking 27-disposal, six-goal outing.
Geelong recruiting manager Stephen Wells revealed the Cats had already decided to draft Mannagh before his dazzling display in the decider.
Wells said the Cats were privately fuming Mannagh performed so well in the grand final because it was the type of performance that would convince most clubs to take a chance on the mature age rookie.
"I'm sure everybody, even those that were deciding not to pick him, would have really noticed his performance in the grand final, it was outstanding," Wells said.
"We'd actually made up our mind before the grand final that we were very keen on Shaun and in some ways we were a bit disappointed that he played so well.
"So we're very, very happy to give Shaun an opportunity.
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"We know he's going to really appreciate it and come in and make an impact at our club straightaway."
Mannagh playing juniors for North Albury in 2014.
Mannagh felt privileged to be joining the Cats who missed playing finals this season for the first time since 2006 and won their most recent flag last year.
The Cats also have had a lot of recent success with mature age recruits including Tim Kelly, Tom Stewart and James Posiadly.
"I couldn't have asked for a better club to go to and their record speaks for itself," he said.
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"Their track record with mature age players like Tim Kelly, Tom Stewart and James Podsiadly is something that has also been well documented.
"So I'm super excited to be heading to the Cattery and get stuck into training and prove to myself that I can play at the elite level.
"And prove to everyone else that I'm capable."
Mannagh won the Did Simpson medal for his performance for Lavington against Wangaratta in the 2019 O&M grand final.
Getting drafted has capped the biggest 12-months of Mannagh's life.
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Mannagh married long time partner Sarah O'Connor earlier this year, produced his best season yet in the VFL and achieved the rare feat of getting best on ground in a losing grand final side.
"I've been very lucky," he said.
"Especially to marry Sarah.
"But a lot of hard work has gone into everything and Sarah has been there to support me the whole way.
"I'm starting to reap the dividends in regards to my footy career but hopefully this is just the beginning and I can spend at least five years in the AFL and create some special memories as well."
Mannagh finished fifth in the JJ Liston medal for the best and fairest in the VFL this season.
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Despite the odds being stacked against Mannagh of being drafted as a 26-year-old, he said his belief that he could one day play at the elite level had never waivered.
"I did think this draft could be my last roll of the dice but there have been a few mature age players picked up in the mid-season draft the last few years," he said.
"Marlion Pickett was drafted mid-season as a 27-year-old in 2019 and made his debut in a grand final for Richmond.
"So I didn't subscribe really to the theory that this draft was my last chance.
"But I realise the older you get the slimmer your chances of getting drafted are.
"I just play footy because I love it so much and want to play at the highest level I possibly can.
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"I'm not one to go chasing cash in the bush and have always wanted to get the best out of myself both on and off the field.
"I feel privileged to have been able to play at such a great club as Werribee the past few years with such fantastic people who are now lifelong friends."
Mannagh's explosiveness is one of his biggest assets.
To say it has been a whirlwind and life changing 24 hours for Mannagh would be an understatement.
He went to work at Altona College as a sports co-ordinator for the last time yesterday.
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On Thursday he will front the media for the first time at the Cats home base of GMHBA Stadium.
Mannagh will then initially live with fellow Cat recruits Connor O'Sullivan (pick 11), Mitch Edwards (32), George Stevens (58), Oliver Wiltshire (61) and Lawson Humphries (63) until after Christmas.
"Today was my last day at work which was tinged with a bit of sadness because it has been such a great place to work and my workmates have really supported me," he said.
"On Thursday I've got a medical screening and then meet the rest of the recruits and the playing group.
"All the draftees move in together on Sunday which will be awesome and we will get to know each other.
"I obviously already know Connor and I texted him congratulations on Monday after he got drafted and now I will be living with him for a while.
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"It's funny, I used to play against Connor's father, Jamarl, when I was at North Albury and Jamarl was at Lavington.
"So it's quite funny to think that I could be playing alongside Connor at Geelong and it would be a good story I guess, two boys from Albury playing in the same side in the AFL."
MANNAGH'S MAGICAL MOMENT: I've worked my whole life for this
'To hear my name called out was pure elation.'
What a awesome
article of great bloke....We are very lucky to get him
- Moderator
- #65
Impressed with this pick up, he was superb in the VFL Grand Final. Hopefully he shows more than just potential.
Welcome to the cattery!
Welcome to the cattery!
We’ve brought him into be plug n’ play, I will be very surprised if he doesn’t feature prominently early next year (injuries permitting). It sounds like Wells has had him pencilled in for quite a while too, so that suggests the coaching team will have a strategy for him to walk straight into as well.
Pure_Ownage
TheBrownDog
MANNAGH'S MAGICAL MOMENT: I've worked my whole life for this
By Brent Godde
Updated November 22 2023 - 5:26pm, first published 4:54pm
0
FacebookTwitterWhatsappEmail
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Shaun Mannagh is officially a Cat after being selected by Geelong with pick 36 at the AFL Draft on Tuesday night.
Pure elation.
That's how Shaun Mannagh summed up the magical moment he heard his name called out and was taken by Geelong with pick 36 in the AFL National Draft on Tuesday night.
Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale beats Collingwood's Nick Daicos and Western Bulldogs' Marcus Bontempelli for AFL's highest honour.
Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
"To hear my name called out was pure elation," Mannagh said.
"I've worked my whole life for this moment.
"To be surrounded by family and friends who have been by my side every step of the way made it even more special.
"Just to see their emotions and how much it meant to them as well was fairly surreal for me personally.
"I'm chuffed at the moment but realise that I've only given myself an opportunity to play AFL and that I need to work harder than I ever have now to make that happen."
Mannagh (centre) in 2013.
ADVERTISING
Mannagh revealed he managed to keep the nerves at bay in the lead-up to Tuesday night's draft.
"I was fine and really calm and just had the attitude of whatever happens, happens," he said.
"As soon as the draft started and the first couple of picks were called out, I suddenly became nervous.
"I think that was just because of the anticipation more than anything else.
"I was anticipating it to be a longer night and being picked up a bit later, so I'm just grateful Geelong saw something in me to pick me as early as they did.
"Now I just can't wait to repay the faith the club has shown in me.
"I had a few chats with Geelong as well as a few other clubs in the lead-up to the draft but they don't give much away when you meet with them.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ad
"To be honest, I was happy to go to any AFL club but growing up as a kid, I was a massive fan of the Western Bulldogs.
"But my mum, Julie, is a Cats fan and she is thrilled at the prospect that she might get to see her son run around in the Cats' colours."
Mannagh in action for Werribee this season.
Mannagh enjoyed an outstanding season with Werribee after finishing fifth in the JJ Liston medal for the best and fairest in the VFL.
The explosive midfielder-forward arguably produced the best performance of his career in the recent VFL grand final which the Tigers lost against Gold Coast.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ad
Mannagh claimed the Norm Goss medal for best on ground despite playing in a losing side after his breathtaking 27-disposal, six-goal outing.
Geelong recruiting manager Stephen Wells revealed the Cats had already decided to draft Mannagh before his dazzling display in the decider.
Wells said the Cats were privately fuming Mannagh performed so well in the grand final because it was the type of performance that would convince most clubs to take a chance on the mature age rookie.
"I'm sure everybody, even those that were deciding not to pick him, would have really noticed his performance in the grand final, it was outstanding," Wells said.
"We'd actually made up our mind before the grand final that we were very keen on Shaun and in some ways we were a bit disappointed that he played so well.
"So we're very, very happy to give Shaun an opportunity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ad
"We know he's going to really appreciate it and come in and make an impact at our club straightaway."
Mannagh playing juniors for North Albury in 2014.
Mannagh felt privileged to be joining the Cats who missed playing finals this season for the first time since 2006 and won their most recent flag last year.
The Cats also have had a lot of recent success with mature age recruits including Tim Kelly, Tom Stewart and James Posiadly.
"I couldn't have asked for a better club to go to and their record speaks for itself," he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ad
"Their track record with mature age players like Tim Kelly, Tom Stewart and James Podsiadly is something that has also been well documented.
"So I'm super excited to be heading to the Cattery and get stuck into training and prove to myself that I can play at the elite level.
"And prove to everyone else that I'm capable."
Mannagh won the Did Simpson medal for his performance for Lavington against Wangaratta in the 2019 O&M grand final.
Getting drafted has capped the biggest 12-months of Mannagh's life.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ad
Mannagh married long time partner Sarah O'Connor earlier this year, produced his best season yet in the VFL and achieved the rare feat of getting best on ground in a losing grand final side.
"I've been very lucky," he said.
"Especially to marry Sarah.
"But a lot of hard work has gone into everything and Sarah has been there to support me the whole way.
"I'm starting to reap the dividends in regards to my footy career but hopefully this is just the beginning and I can spend at least five years in the AFL and create some special memories as well."
Mannagh finished fifth in the JJ Liston medal for the best and fairest in the VFL this season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ad
Despite the odds being stacked against Mannagh of being drafted as a 26-year-old, he said his belief that he could one day play at the elite level had never waivered.
"I did think this draft could be my last roll of the dice but there have been a few mature age players picked up in the mid-season draft the last few years," he said.
"Marlion Pickett was drafted mid-season as a 27-year-old in 2019 and made his debut in a grand final for Richmond.
"So I didn't subscribe really to the theory that this draft was my last chance.
"But I realise the older you get the slimmer your chances of getting drafted are.
"I just play footy because I love it so much and want to play at the highest level I possibly can.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ad
"I'm not one to go chasing cash in the bush and have always wanted to get the best out of myself both on and off the field.
"I feel privileged to have been able to play at such a great club as Werribee the past few years with such fantastic people who are now lifelong friends."
Mannagh's explosiveness is one of his biggest assets.
To say it has been a whirlwind and life changing 24 hours for Mannagh would be an understatement.
He went to work at Altona College as a sports co-ordinator for the last time yesterday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ad
On Thursday he will front the media for the first time at the Cats home base of GMHBA Stadium.
Mannagh will then initially live with fellow Cat recruits Connor O'Sullivan (pick 11), Mitch Edwards (32), George Stevens (58), Oliver Wiltshire (61) and Lawson Humphries (63) until after Christmas.
"Today was my last day at work which was tinged with a bit of sadness because it has been such a great place to work and my workmates have really supported me," he said.
"On Thursday I've got a medical screening and then meet the rest of the recruits and the playing group.
"All the draftees move in together on Sunday which will be awesome and we will get to know each other.
"I obviously already know Connor and I texted him congratulations on Monday after he got drafted and now I will be living with him for a while.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ad
"It's funny, I used to play against Connor's father, Jamarl, when I was at North Albury and Jamarl was at Lavington.
"So it's quite funny to think that I could be playing alongside Connor at Geelong and it would be a good story I guess, two boys from Albury playing in the same side in the AFL."
MANNAGH'S MAGICAL MOMENT: I've worked my whole life for this
'To hear my name called out was pure elation.'www.bordermail.com.au
What a awesome
We are very lucky to get him
Sounds like a great guy who will work his butt off to make it. Lets hope he turns out like pods and menegola and stewart. Thats a nice conmection to osullivan small world.
Pure_Ownage
TheBrownDog
It does but it does beg the question why we didnt roll the dice on him in the msd.
Purely speculative here but there may have been circumstances preventing that, given no club picked him up. I recall at the time that Richmond were supposedly into him up to their neck too.
- Jun 19, 2006
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Maybe we just rated Hardie higher at that point? We've kept him on this season after all so it's not like we think picking him is a bust yet.
You could argue Hardie had better form leading up to the MSD. Also Hardie was playing as a pure mid, whereas Mannagh was hybrid mid/fwd.
Kind of reminds me of Kane Lambert who used to play for Richmond. Went through a somewhat similar path to the AFL too.
Think Lambert was a bit more of a hard nut, and not quite as quick, but had that similar clean disposal and good elusiveness in tight - and both clearly know where the goals are.
Think Lambert was a bit more of a hard nut, and not quite as quick, but had that similar clean disposal and good elusiveness in tight - and both clearly know where the goals are.
Being interviewed on SEN now. Sounds like a sensible, mature, level headed guy. Rapt for him being given this opportunity.
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