It’s one of the best things that can happen at a footy club, when a young, aspiring footballer makes their debut at the top level. 

But there are debuts, and then there are debuts. 

Shaun Mannagh wasn’t the oldest player to debut at AFL level, that honour rests with a man named Charlie Hardy who suited up for Essendon back in 1921 at age 34. 

But for Geelong coach Chris Scott, there was something extra special about letting the 26 year old Mannagh know he was in. 

"They're one of the most enjoyable conversations you have as a coach," he told media pre game. 

“They're all a little bit different and it's really exciting when a first year player comes in and plays his first game but arguably it's even better when you get to speak to a 26 year old who's done his time, and probably thought his dream of playing AFL footy was over long ago and he has fought his way back to this point.”

Mannagh’s story is well known by now. Picked up by the Cats early in the second round of the 2023 National Draft, he had certainly done his time. 

He had spent three years in Richmond’s VFL program, and starred for Lavington and North Albury in the Ovens and Murray League, before his six goal, 28 disposal Norm Goss Medal winning performance for Werribee in last year’s VFL Grand Final. 

Before Saturday night's game, James Saker, Mannagh’s coach at both Laverton and Werribee, presented the debutant with his first jumper, as he had done at the Magpies and the Tigers before.

What was clear in Saker’s speech, and clear to everyone who has dealt with Mannagh in his short time at GMHBA Stadium, the debut is a special occasion for all the reasons mentioned above, but it’s even more significant because of the kind of person he is. 

Let's let Saker pick it up from here:

“It's quite a unique position to be in to present a jumper to a bloke at local level, state level and obviously the elite level,” Saker said before the game.

“It speaks to your journey that you've been on, but there's a couple of things I want to make sure I get across. 

“One, the impact that you've had at those clubs, yes because of your football ability, but also, you're a guy that makes genuine connections with people involved at the footy club and I'm sure your new teammates and colleagues here are starting to experience that. 

"I also want you to know the amount of joy and pure happiness that you're bringing to a lot of people as we're sharing in this moment with you because of the way you've conducted yourself throughout that journey.”

Starting as the sub, Mannagh’s moment came when Tyson Stengle was subbed off at three quarter time, and in true Mannagh fashion, he wasn’t about to waste it. 

His first possession was a deft kick off the ground that eventually made its way to Zach Tuohy for a goal, and then he would have three more shots at goal in the last term. The 40,000 strong crowd rising and falling with him in unison, seemingly already firmly in the new guy's corner. 

For the man of the moment himself, characteristically, he was just happy to be there. 

“It was something else, really incredible," he told geelongcats.com.au after the game about the experience.

“Obviously at the start of the last quarter, Scotty came up and said, 'you're going on', so it was pretty surreal, but to hear the crowd start roaring it was pretty special."

The last word, fittingly, sits with Saker, who had one final message before the biggest night of his great mate’s career: you belong. 

“Obviously, the journey has been a long one, it's been hard yards and a whirlwind 24-48 hours for you but now the best bit is ahead. You get to put this jumper on, and run out with your new mates. It's the level you belong at, I'm sure you'll make the most of the moment and it'll be the start of something great.”