An emotional McManus was named Fremantle's premiership cup presenter on Monday after club chief executive Simon Garlick surprised the inaugural Dockers player on radio ahead of Saturday's grand final against Brisbane.
The back-to-back reigning premiers Lions have yet to name their presenter after three-time premiership player Jonathan Brown did so for last year's win over Geelong.
McManus was given the nod amid speculation two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe, who retired last season, would be tapped on the shoulder.
Should Fremantle win, McManus will also present the premiership cup to former teammate and Dockers coach Justin Longmuir.
"I'm absolutely honoured and blown away," McManus said on Nova radio.
"It'd be amazing for my family, obviously, but I love Justin. We're great mates.
"... I just love the boys. I'm so proud of them, with Alex (Pearce) and the guys. It's just been incredible.
"I'm blown away. I'm blown away. This is unbelievable to me."
McManus began his AFL career as a 19-year-old, going on to play 228 games across 14 seasons from the inaugural 1995 campaign.
He captained the team alongside Adrian Feltcher from 2000 to 2001, with coach Longmuir playing from 1999 to 2007.
"Yeah, I'm super nervous," McManus said of the grand final.
"I hope the boys do so well because the club has been kicked to the curb for so often and looked down upon.
"And these guys are giants here, so I'm very appreciative of this season."
Describing McManus as the perfect embodiment of the club, Garlick hailed the Dockers icon for his lasting impact on the club.
Retiring after the 2008 season, McManus remained at the club as a player development coach and transitioned through various off-field roles.
"Even an anecdote: a really important draft year was the 2019 draft, Hayden Young and Caleb Serong came in," Garlick said.
"And 'Shauny' volunteers and helps us ... he talks to the current group of players coming in about Fremantle and what the place means and the connection to the place.
"Caleb said that the impact that had on him ... Caleb and Hayden, who are Victorians but are Freo Dockers for life - and the impact that discussion had with him and the link that he now has to the place.
"You play a critical role for us, mate, so we'd be honoured if you were to play this role for us."
McManus follows former teammate Peter Bell, who was named for the eventual 2013 grand-final loss to Hawthorn.
He has played the ninth-most games in club history and was the second player behind Shane Parker to reach the 200-game milestone.
The 50-year-old became a Dockers life member in 2004.
