This time last year, Shaun Mannagh was preparing himself for a grand final appearance with Werribee.
Fast forward to this weekend, the VFL Tigers are again headed for a decider, but for Mannagh – whose six goals earned him best-on-ground honours in 2023 – his focus is elsewhere.
The 27-year-old is a crucial plank in Geelong’s push for a second AFL premiership in three seasons, with the Cats to meet the Brisbane Lions in a preliminary final at the MCG on Saturday.
Mannagh says he has to sometimes remind himself of the situation he finds himself in.
“There’s certainly been moments… even coming in (to the club), ‘We’re getting ready for a prelim final this weekend’, that you pinch yourself in the car (and) as you walk in,” he said.
“It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I’ve been very lucky enough to have some good moments.
“But, when you have some good moments, there’s obviously some bad ones that go with it.
“Hopefully, we’ve got a few more good ones ahead.”
CATS: BEWS TIMING HIS RUN TO PERFECTION
In just his 11th game, Mannagh was a standout in the qualifying final win over Port Adelaide, registering career highs for goals (three) and disposals (23).
Mannagh’s impressive run since returning to the team in Round 18 has mirrored that of Geelong, which has posted a 7-2 win-loss record in that time, aided by an impressive functioning forward line.
“I think it’s certainly getting to the point… where we’re playing the best footy we have all year right now, which is really nice,” he said.
“It probably stems back to off-field as well. We’re connecting really well and going out for nice dinners.
“But on the training track, ‘Rahls’ (assistant coach James Rahilly) has got us firing and training with that intensity that we need to perform this weekend.
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