If Fremantle are successful in beating the Brisbane Lions in the 2026 Toyota AFL Grand Final at the MCG, McManus will present the Club's first-ever Premiership Cup to Senior Coach Justin Longmuir and Captain Alex Pearce.
McManus's legacy with Fremantle began all the way back in 1995 debuting as a 19-year-old, as part of the inaugural Fremantle side that made history by joining the competition as the second Western Australian team.
An AFL Rising Star nominee in 1995 who earned WA State of Origin selection the same year, McManus played 18 games in that inaugural season, beginning a journey with the Club that would go on to span 14 seasons and 228 games as a player.
Testament to the player he was, and synonymous with the Fremantle identity on field, few acts of courage in Western Derby history match McManus' efforts in Round 4, 2001. With eyes only for the ball, he ran back with the flight to take an outstanding mark, before colliding with David Wirrpanda. Undeterred, he picked himself up to take the resulting free kick and, unbothered by the massive hit, went back and slotted the goal. It is a moment now etched in Fremantle and Western Derby lore.
Outside of courageous acts on field, his leadership was recognised early on, with the co-captaincy alongside Adrian Fletcher in 2000 and 2001, a testament to the respect he commanded in the playing group while still in his mid-20s.
McManus was the 32nd player to appear for Fremantle and just the second to reach the 200-game milestone at the Club behind Shane Parker. He still sits today as the ninth-highest games record holder in Fremantle's history.
McManus finished his playing career at the end of the 2008 season, bowing out in a win over West Coast at Subiaco Oval, a fitting farewell for a player who gave so much to football in Western Australia.
Retirement from playing did not mean retirement from the Club. McManus transitioned straight into a player development coach role within Fremantle's football department, helping shape the next generation of Freo stars.
That off-field involvement has continued in various forms ever since, reflecting a deep and ongoing connection to the Club's culture and people, and embodying the idea of a "Life Member", an honour the Club bestowed on him in 2004.
Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick said McManus’ influence at the Club since inception made him a terrific Premiership Cup presenter.
“Shaun perfectly sums up what a Fremantle person is,” Garlick said.
“He had a remarkable career as a Fremantle player, but beyond that he has been a champion of this Club since our humble beginnings back in 1995.
“Those early foundation years weren’t easy, and as a 19-year-old he came in showed great qualities which resulted him being named captain at just 24.”
“The courage he showed on field speaks for itself, but ever since retiring he’s been a passionate and positive influence, someone who purely lives and breathes Freo.
“If we are good enough to get the job done on Saturday, it will be a great moment to see Shaun present the cup to Alex, and his old teammate Justin.”
