“Shaun McManus, the heart and soul of the Fremantle Football Club, will play his last game on Sunday against West Coast in Carlton Mid Derby XXVIII.” (story)
There has been no other player who has typified the Freo spirit than Shaun Mc Manus. The only remaining original Docker, he will be remembered for his unshirking spirit, relentless and positive player…and two cruel knee reconstructions which threatened to derail his career.
My favourite moments of Shaun include the Derby shirtfront which Wirrapanda put on him. This was when Melinda and I had seats near the city end….so it happened right in front of us. You could hear the crowd breathe in as they realised what was about to happen. Shaun lay motionless for a moment or two and Clive Waterhouse came over to try and take the kick. Shaun was having none of that. He stood up, shook his blond locks and calmy slotted it through from a tight angle on the boundary line.
Another favourite moment was against the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne where we won by about 86 points (I think). Shaun was under pressure to keep his place in the side and played a blinder. It included a succesful kick for goal on the run, on a severe angle. He gestured into the crowd towards his family.
He is the heart and soul of the club. Lets hope we can thrash the Weegirls and send him off in style. There will not be a dry eye in the place.
Yep – will be sadly missed.
It is times like these that everyone can put their personal bias’ aside and applaud a top player.
McManus has had a love/hate relationship with fans from all quarters…but no one can deny he has toiled hard and, truly, typified the freo spirit.
I have to agree with Drum, with McManus playing his final game, Freo couldn’t possibly lose (even with a PP at stake!)…I almost hope they do (almost…if they weren’t playing my team I would of course hope they did).
Should be a cracker of a game. Congrats McManus!
Having said that…Carn Eagles, rain on their parade!
He’s a guy who got the full 100% out of his talent. These are the players I admire most.