UPDATE: Geelong Cats’ Shaun Mannagh is buzzing with excitement as the team gears up for the AFL Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions this Saturday, July 15, 2025. Following two significant victories in the finals series, including a 38-point win over Brisbane in the qualifying final and a 30-point victory last weekend, Mannagh believes their relaxed approach will lead them to ultimate glory.
Mannagh insists the Cats will stick to their consistent match-day preparation, emphasizing, “At the end of the day, it’s just a game of footy, isn’t it?” He asserts that maintaining their routine over the past 25 weeks is crucial to their success. “If we play our game, we will be OK,” he stated.
The spotlight is on Geelong’s captain, Patrick Dangerfield, whose 32 disposals, three goals, and 21 contested possessions in the preliminary final left fans and analysts in awe. At age 35, Dangerfield’s performance has sparked discussions about how he continues to excel in the twilight of his career. Mannagh expressed admiration, saying, “It’s actually incredible… Danger is like a big child off the field, to be fair, and is young at heart.”
Mannagh revealed how Dangerfield has not only been leading on the field but also energizing the team off it. “He even took over the warm-up last weekend, believe it or not,” Mannagh recounted. “He put on ‘Danger Zone’ in the changerooms and strutted around, which was pretty funny.” This light-hearted moment helped ease the tension before the high-stakes match against Hawthorn.
As the team prepares for the grand final, Mannagh emphasized the importance of enjoying the experience. “If the captain of our club is as relaxed as anyone, there is no reason for anyone to be uptight as well,” he remarked. The atmosphere in the Cats’ camp remains upbeat as they look to embrace the challenge ahead.
In a heartwarming moment, Mannagh shared that Dangerfield was the first to text him after he was awarded the 2025 AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player. “Danger was the first to message me and he just texted ‘WTF,’” Mannagh said, reflecting on the surprise of receiving the accolade. He credited his coaches and teammates for their support throughout his journey.
As Geelong heads into the grand final, fans will be watching closely to see if the Cats can deliver a premiership for Dangerfield, who is still seeking that title as a captain. Mannagh’s enthusiasm and the team’s camaraderie suggest they are poised for an exciting showdown against Brisbane.
The grand final promises to be an electrifying event, and with the Cats’ strong momentum and Dangerfield’s leadership, supporters are hopeful for a triumphant outcome. As Mannagh put it, “We will have a fun week in the lead-up to the grand final and embrace it.”
Stay tuned for the latest updates as Geelong aims for glory on Saturday.
