Geelong forward Shaun Mannagh is part of a long line of people hoping to see fellow 2023 draftee Oli Wiltshire make his AFL debut in the coming weeks.
The Barwon Heads product has been earning rave reviews for his performances in the Cats’ VFL team, kicking seven goals from three games.
Wiltshire has been an AFL emergency on multiple occasions in 2025, and with Gryan Miers to miss this Sunday’s clash with Carlton after entering the concussion protocol, the door may open for the 22-year-old.
Speaking to the media this (Wednesday) morning, Mannagh labelled Wiltshire “an excitement machine”.
“He can do some things that not many people can on the footy field; he’s awesome to watch,” Mannagh said.
“Over the past 12 to 18 months, his work rate’s increased dramatically, and that’s why he will give himself an opportunity to play.
“He’s another one of my draft class, which is pretty cool that we can all play together.
“When he comes in or when he does, he’ll take his opportunity, that’s for sure.”
After outlasting Adelaide and Hawthorn in recent weeks, Geelong now turns its attention to the Blues.
After a slow start to the season, Carlton has registered consecutive wins over lowly West Coast and North Melbourne.
Despite the difference in ladder positions, Mannagh knows the Blues will be no pushover.
“You just go out there and respect each opposition for what they are,” he said.
“Carlton have had a few good weeks in a row now, so you’ve got to expect they’re going to bring their best again this weekend, and we’re certainly going to bring ours.”
Geelong will wear an Anzac-themed jumper design to mark 110 years of Australian forces landing at Gallipoli.
It features an illustrative representation of the Gallipoli landscape and its four natural elements — the sky, the hills, the beach and the water — which have been intertwined between the traditional navy hoops.
“It’s a really special round to play in front of a lot of fans, but you’re doing it for everyone that’s served for our country,” Mannagh said.
“What we do is nothing in comparison to what they’ve done for us, but you’ve just got to pay homage to the opportunity they’ve given us to do what we do now.
“We’ll go out and represent that jumper with as much pride as we can.”
X: @krockfootball
