Geelong Cats forward Shaun Mannagh and developing tall Mitch Edwards have both signed contract extensions with the Club, keeping the pair at GMHBA Stadium until at least the end of 2026 and 2028 respectively.

After being selected with Pick 36 in the 2023 National Draft, Mannagh made his debut in Round 1 in 2024, going on to play 12 games in his first season in the Hoops, including every game from Round 17 through to the end of Geelong’s Finals campaign.

Averaging 16.3 disposals, 4.5 tackles, 2.8 clearances and 1.3 goals a game last season, Mannagh picked up where he left off after returning from injury last Friday night in the win against Melbourne, collecting 18 disposals along with five tackles, four clearances and a goal, earning four AFL Coaches Votes.

Edwards was taken in the same draft as Mannagh with Pick 32 and is nearing a return to play after an injury-interrupted first season with the Cats.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Shaun Mannagh of the Cats celebrates kicking a goal the AFL Preliminary Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on September 21, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

Standing at 206cm tall, Edwards showed promising signs in his three VFL appearances last year, with his athleticism a key highlight of his game.

Geelong Cats Executive General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie said the Club was pleased to extend the pair.

“We are thrilled both Shaun and Mitch have committed to the Club, and we look forward to watching them continue to grow,” Mackie said.

“When 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.

“Mitch 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.”

The Cats take on Adelaide in the opening game of the AFL’s Gather Round, before taking on Hawthorn in the traditional Easter Monday blockbuster at the MCG on Monday 21 April.

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