Week in, week out, he is consistently among Geelong's best players and now Shaun Mannagh has received external recognition, winning the AFL Coaches Association's Best Young Player Award.

Mannagh, who turned 28 earlier this month, was eligible for the award as it is presented in recognition of the player based on performances in his first two seasons of AFL Football and is determined by the weekly votes of the AFL Coaches.

Mannagh polled 35 votes to take out the award, finishing ahead of North Melbourne’s Colby McKercher (32) and West Coast's Harley Reid (31).

In his second season at Geelong, Mannagh has quickly become one of the most important players in the Cats’ line-up, proving to be an asset inside forward 50 while also having an impact around stoppages.

After missing the opening three weeks of the season, Mannagh returned in Round 4 and had an immediate impact against Melbourne, kicking a crucial goal in the final quarter to help the Cats snap a two-game losing streak.

He also produced one of the best moments of the season just a fortnight later, when the crafty Cat rolled home the game-winning goal against Hawthorn on Easter Monday, finishing the match with 17 disposals and three goals.

It was the first of five three-goal hauls for Mannagh in 2025. He kicked a total of 28 majors for the season, the fourth-most of any Geelong player and added a further 15 goal assists.

His consistency was also a standout averaging 18.8 disposals, 4.8 tackles, 5.4 inside 50s and 3.7 clearances per game.

Geelong coach Chris Scott praised Mannagh for the persistence he has displayed, as well as his ability to take his opportunity in the AFL with such verve.

“This award is great recognition for Shaun’s impressive first two seasons in the AFL,” Scott said.

“In his 32 games so far, Shaun has quickly become an important player for us and across this season he has again been one of our most consistent performers.

“We congratulate Shaun on winning the AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player award.”

AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson congratulated Mannagh on his career achievements to date.

“Shaun has been around football for a long time and has had an incredibly impressive first two seasons in the AFL,” Nicholson said.

“He has taken his opportunity with two hands and is proving to be a very valuable addition to the Geelong’s forward line. We congratulate him on being voted by the Coaches as the Best Young Player in 2025.

“Shaun should be proud of himself, as should the Cats’ coaching group for the role they have played in his development.”

The AFL Coaches Association Best Young Player Award is presented in recognition of the player based on performances in his first two seasons of AFL Football and is determined by the weekly votes of the AFL coaches in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award.

Geelong's AFLCA Best Young Player Award Winners