Geelong returned to the winner's list on the back of their dominant fourth-quarter performance against North Melbourne last week, and Shaun Mannagh was back to his best in a vital performance. 

The clever Cat collected 18 disposals against the Kangaroos and kicked a career-high four goals, making the most of his opportunities in front of the big sticks to have a significant influence on the scoreboard. 

It came a week after Geelong struggled to transition the football against Port Adelaide, with Mannagh proving to be a prime contributor as a link between the midfield and forward line. 

The victory moves the Cats to a 5-3 record through the early portion of the season, setting the stage for a monumental clash with Collingwood in Round 8 as the teams jostle for position on the ladder. 

Mannagh said that he is keen for the occasion and the test against one of the best in the competition, while also getting the chance to celebrate a legend of the Geelong Football Club. 

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Shaun Mannagh (left) and Tom Stewart of the Cats celebrate during the 2026 AFL Round 08 match between the Geelong Cats and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium on May 2, 2026 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

"Absolutely, we can't wait," Mannagh told Cats Media. 

"I think everyone is going to be talking about 'Pendles' throughout the week, but within our four walls we will be pumping up Tom Stewart for his 200th game.

"That is as big as any, so it is a really exciting time for the club and himself along with his family.

"We obviously know his background, how he got here and look at him now.

"A five time All-Australian, about to be a 200 gamer, a premiership player and the accolades keep coming for him. He is obviously amazing, off the field it will be big for us."

07:23

Post Game ROAMING | Mannagh, Connor O'Sullivan, Jeremy Cameron

Step inside a joyful post game rooms as we chat to a number of players after a strong win against North Melbourne. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

One of the big talking points to come out of Saturday's win was Mannagh, but not necessarily for what he was able to do with ball in hand. 

Attention was drawn to Mannagh's choice of boots during the second episode of Geelong's podcast, 'The Cats Corner' with some interesting conversations had in the build up to Round 8. 

It surprised many to see the 28-year-old roll out onto GMHBA Stadium with a fresh set of kicks, far different to the black boots fans have become accustomed to seeing him in early in his career with the Cats. 

But then after quarter time, Mannagh returned to the field with the black boots back on his feet, making the change and proceeding to set the game alight as Geelong stormed home. 

Quizzed about the change by Cats Media after the game, Mannagh explained the theory behind his bold decision. 

42:09

The Cats Corner Podcast Ep 2 | The East Coast Boys Returns Fire?

Shaun Mannagh, George Stevens and Connor O'Sullivan host the second episode of The Cats Corner, after a dazzling debut from the Western Australian contingent! Our recent games are reviewed aswell as the usual banter and hijinks.

"Yeah, let's not get into it," Mannagh joked. 

"I got stick all pre-game about it, I was trying the Adidas tonight. I just wanted to do something different, I have been in Asics for a while and everyone gets stuck into me for wearing black boots.

"So I went the complete opposite, I don't think I have ever worn colour like that.

"I kicked a goal early and then missed an absolute sitter, but that wasn't the reason I changed back. We will go back to the black boots, they are nice."