Geelong forward Shaun Mannagh and emerging ruckman Mitchell Edwards have signed respective extensions to remain at Kardinia Park.
Mannagh, who emerged with a breakout debut campaign as a mature-aged recruit in 2024, has penned another year on his deal to remain a Cat until 2026, while the developing Edwards will remain in blue and white hoops until at least the end of 2027.
The 27-year-old earned an AFL list spot at Pick 36 in 2023's AFL Draft, debuting in Round 1 before playing VFL for early parts of last season. With strong form brewing late in the year, Mannagh emerged to be picked in Round 17, holding his spot until the end of Geelong's finals campaign.
Mannagh's qualifying final performance stamped his name beyond his cult status amongst Geelong fans, becoming yet another mature-age success story from Werribee, and at the Cattery.
In that game against the Power, Mannagh booted three goals and recorded a career-high 23 disposals.
After spending the start of the season sidelined with bone stress, Mannagh made his season debut against the Demons last Friday night, tallying 18 touches and a goal.
Standing at 206cm, the Pick 32 in the 2023 National Draft has begun developing his craft as a ruck talent for the future at Geelong.
An athletic talent, Edward found himself in the ruck contests in parts of his three VFL games last year, recording 12 hitouts against Sandringham.
Geelong list boss Andrew Mackie said he was "thrilled" to re-sign the pair.
โWe are thrilled both Shaun and Mitch have committed to the Club, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow,โ Mackie said.
โWhen we drafted Shaun, we knew he had the potential to make an immediate impact for us. Being a mature-aged draftee, Shaun has become a valuable teammate on and off the field, offering both support to our emerging group of while also having an impact and complementing our senior group of players.
โMitch has shown great potential and while he's faced a few injury setbacks, he is a long-term, developing prospect and we look forward to seeing what he can do over the next two seasons.โ
The Cats take on Adelaide on Thursday night at Gather Round, with Mannagh sure to be hoping to deliver a similar performance to his qualifying final display at the same venue eight months ago.
