Shaun Mannagh never lacked belief - just an opportunity.
So when Geelong's veteran recruiter Stephen Wells finally called his name at last November's national draft, Mannagh knew he had to grab his chance.
The 27-year-old rookie has done just that, holding down a place in Chris Scott's star-studded attack over the past two months to help drive the Cats' premiership push.
An eye-catching three-goal display in the thrashing of Port Adelaide a fortnight ago underlined Mannagh's capabilities ahead of Saturday's preliminary final against Brisbane at the MCG.
But it was a different story 12 months ago, when the crafty small forward was still desperately trying to stand out with VFL club Werribee after eight years of toil in the state league and the bush.
"I've always known that I could play at AFL level and I just needed my opportunity," Mannagh said this week.
"I was lucky enough to get that here at the Cats and I've just tried to take it with both hands.
"I probably didn't do that early in the year, but now being in the team I feel like I've stepped up.
"Being that bit more mature as well, I think I've been able to adapt to any situation that's been thrown at me."
Mannagh's long road to the big league featured spells with country outfits Lavington and North Albury, a season in Darwin during the pandemic, and VFL stints with Richmond and Werribee.
His draft fortune changed after a brilliant six-goal, 27-disposal performance in the Bees' grand final defeat to AFL reserves outfit Gold Coast last September.
It capped an outstanding season, in which Mannagh was named in the VFL team of the year, finished second in the club best-and-fairest and fifth in the JJ Liston Trophy.
"There was a fair bit of frustration there, obviously, knowing I'd been putting together some good seasons together at VFL level, which is a really good standard of football, and teams kept going for the under-18s kids (at the draft)," Mannagh said.
"It's fair enough because you can develop kids and they can be at clubs for 15-20 years, so I do understand it from that point of view.
"But I was also coming at it from my point of view where I'm a mature-age person and I can come in and impact straight away.
"It obviously took a little bit longer than I would've liked, but now that I'm here I'm very grateful for the opportunity."
Geelong have a strong track record with mature-age recruits, enjoying extraordinary success with the likes of five-time All-Australian Tom Stewart, premiership teammate Tom Atkins, Sam Menegola and Tim Kelly.
Before them, there was 2011 flag sensation James Podsiadly.
"These guys have come in and played pretty key roles in the club being successful," Mannagh said.
"Hopefully I'm just another one of those guys that can come in and do that.
"The environment that everyone here has created, you can come in here and flourish no matter what age you are."
Mannagh kicked 11 goals in 10 home-and-away matches this season and was one of Geelong's six finals debutants against Port Adelaide.
His career-best three goals came with a game-high 13 score involvements, further endearing him to teammates impressed by his determination, among other key traits.
"I don't know how these guys keep getting overlooked (at the draft) ... Shauny's a ready-to-go AFL footballer," Atkins told AAP.
"He's got a great head on his shoulders, mature and really skilful, and understands the game well.
"It's great to see him getting all the accolades that he deserves."
Cats defender Jack Henry has marvelled at Mannagh's football journey.
"It's so special," Henry told AAP.
"He's found a good little spot on the team and we all saw him in that final - to show he can do it on the big stage is pretty amazing.
"We love having him in there, love playing with him."
In a team littered with premiership players, Mannagh is drawing on his own form of big-game experience through September, having played in two VFL grand finals.
The Norm Goss medal winner last year, he was also best afield for Lavington in the 2019 Ovens and Murray league decider.
"Finals footy, no matter where you play, the intensity and speed of the game is going to be harder and faster. Especially at the start of the game because the adrenaline is pretty high and the fans are roaring," Mannagh said.
"Having some experience playing in finals series at VFL level certainly helped.
"At the same time, you don't play in front of 50,000 people at VFL level, so it's different.
"But the bigger the crowd I seem to like that, so it's been pretty good fun."
Mannagh could get the chance to run out in front of 100,000 fans in an AFL grand final next week, as Geelong eye a return to the biggest stage of all for the first time since their 2022 premiership.
But first the Cats must get past Brisbane, who overcame a 44-point deficit in their semi-final win over GWS.
"They were pretty impressive last weekend, especially in the second half," Mannagh said.
"They've been a good team for the past couple of years and played in the grand final last year ... but hopefully we can bring our best and get the win."
