Dockers name club icon as premiership cup presenter
Joanna Guelas |
Fremantle pioneer Shaun McManus will hand over the AFL premiership cup to captain Alex Pearce if the Dockers break through for their maiden flag.
Part of the inaugural 1995 Dockers squad, McManus has been named as Fremantle’s cup presenter ahead of Saturday’s grand final against back-to-back reigning premiers Brisbane.
The Lions have yet to name their presenter after three-time premiership player Jonathan Brown did so for last year’s decider win over Geelong.
McManus was given the nod amid speculation two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, who retired last season, would do the honours.
Peter Bell was named the club’s presenter for the eventual 2013 grand final loss to Hawthorn.
Dockers chief Simon Garlick described McManus as a perfect embodiment of the club’s values.
McManus began his AFL career as a 19-year-old, going on to play 228 games across 14 seasons.
He captained the team alongside Adrian Feltcher from 2000 to 2001, and played alongside current coach Justin Longmuir.
“Shaun perfectly sums up what a Fremantle person is,” Garlick said in a club statement.
“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 in 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.”
McManus is the ninth-highest game record holder in the club’s history and was the second behind Shane Parker to reach the 200-game milestone.
Retiring after the 2008 season, McManus remained at the club as a player development coach and transitioned through various off-field roles.
The 50-year-old became a Dockers life member in 2004.
AAP