LAVINGTON ace Shaun Mannagh has signed for Wanderers in the Northern Territory Football League over the summer.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Mannagh has been living on the border during Melbourne's stage four restrictions and is set to fly out to meet his new teammates on Monday.
The speedy midfielder is set to be joined by former Lavington junior and Werribee teammate Brydan Hodgson.
The season opener is on October 2.
"I'm heading up to Darwin on Monday and plan to stay up there for a month," Mannagh said.
"So I will play the opening four rounds and then I will probably have to head back to Melbourne for work if the stage four restrictions have been eased.
"Hopefully before Christmas I will be able to head up for another game or two.
"If not I will play again after Christmas and will probably fly in each week for finals if we are good enough to make it.
"Brydan Hodgson and a couple of the other boys from Werribee have signed for Wanderers as well.
"I think Dom Brew and Fletcher Carroll have signed with Nightcliffe so I will at least know a few of the guys.
IN OTHER NEWS
Mannagh signed with Werribee this season after being given limited opportunities by Richmond in the VFL the previous year.
Lavington were the major beneficiaries with Mannagh playing 16 matches and instrumental in the Panthers capturing their first flag since 2005.
The midfield dynamo 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.
Mannagh said he was yet to recommit to Werribee for next season with the VFL and NEAFL merging.
"I will most likely re-sign with Werribee but I haven't yet," he said.
"Playing in Darwin is something that I have wanted to do for a while now.
"A lot of blokes I have talked to, rate the experience highly and have derived a lot of benefit out of it the following season.
"It helps keep you match fit and it's a quick brand of football.
"It will be interesting with the VFL and NEAFL merging.
"It will be exciting to play against teams like the Gold Coast, Sydney and GWS and their AFL listed players."
Mannagh said he had signed for Lavington next season to play when free of VFL commitments.
