Shaun Mannagh’s journey has been a long windy one that now stops at the MCG on the final Saturday of September.
The Werribee grand final star from two seasons ago when he kicked six goals in a losing grand final side, will be back on the biggest stage, this time with Geelong.
That VFL grand final performance was the final piece of the puzzle for the Cats to pick the mature aged recruit.
Mannagh will play a key role for the Cats in their forward line as they look to overcome the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
The Cats won through to the grand final with a 17.13 (115)-13.7 (85) win against the Hawks after a slow start on Friday night.
Mannagh finished with two goals and 15 possessions in the win.
Speaking on SEN’s Crunch Time on Saturday, Mannagh said his journey took a bit longer than he would have liked.
He said there was still a pinch me moment that he was playing in a grand final.
“We wouldn’t change it,” he said. “We’ve been so lucky to end up at Geelong.
“A successful club for such a long time. It feels like I’ve jumped on the end of the coattails and enjoying the ride.
“Pure elation at the beginning and by the end of the night I was heading home and I was like we have one more week to go. It has been amazing.”
Mannagh said when he arrived at Geelong he always had that inner belief that he would be able to perform at this level.
He said it was about getting an opportunity. He recently won the AFL Coaches Association best young player award which is based on a player’s first two seasons in the league, despite recently just turning 28.
Mannagh said he still speaks to local players from Lavington and former VFL teammates about the journey and not giving up.
“I felt if I could show them what I could make an impact,” he said.
“It took a lot longer than I would have liked. Trying to make every post a winner.”
Mannagh said he was soaking in everything from the stars of Geelong.
He said skipper Patrick Dangerfield was out of this world in the Cats preliminary final win against Hawthorn.
Dangerfield had 31 disposals and kicked three goals in a best on ground performance to guide his side through to another grand final.
“The ultimate professional and the way he looks after his body,” he said.
“He got crunched three or four times by Jez [Jeremy Cameron] and he jumped up with a smile.
“If that doesn’t get you going as a teammate, I don’t know what else will.”
