LAVINGTON'S grand final hero Shaun Mannagh has signed with Werribee.
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Mannagh is keen to reignite his VFL career after being given limited opportunities by Richmond who captured the VFL/AFL flag double this year.
The speedy midfielder played 16 matches with Lavington this season and was instrumental in the Panthers capturing their first flag since 2005.
Mannagh enhanced his growing reputation in the decider after winning the Did Simpson medal.
He finished with five goals and 27 possessions and showcased his versatility, playing off a wing, through the centre and at full-forward.
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Mannagh weighed up several offers before deciding to head to Werribee who is coached by Mark Williams with Michael Barlow a playing assistant coach.
"I want to play at the highest level I possibly can," Mannagh said.
"After being given limited opportunities by Richmond this year, I was keen to find another VFL club where I can hopefully play on a weekly basis.
"Mark Williams impressed me the first meeting I had with him and obviously his coaching record speaks for itself.
"My dream is still to play AFL and I feel if I can be consistent at VFL level it will give me my best chance of achieving that.
"If my AFL dream doesn't eventuate I can still be satisfied knowing I played at the highest level I possibly could in the VFL."
Mannagh said he was still keen to nominate Lavington as his second club although he hadn't discussed it with premiership coach Simon Curtis.
He rated his season with the Panthers the best of his career so far.
"Individually it is probably the best I have played," he said.
"But the icing on the cake was winning the flag.
"I was fortunate to find myself in a really good team which makes it a lot easier.
"I think a lot of blokes at Lavington also played the best of their careers and was a huge factor in us being able to win the grand final."
Mannagh said he was motivated to have another big pre-season to give himself the best opportunity of cementing a regular spot with Werribee.
Former North Albury team-mate Dom Brew is a regular senior player for the Tigers.