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Important SN update for SouthlandFremantle’s Walters announces retirement
Andrew Slevison • July 3rd, 2025 4:33 pm
Fremantle’s Michael Walters has announced his AFL retirement.
The 34-year-old classy forward, affectionately known as ‘Son-Son’, has opted to draw the curtain on his 239-game career after battling a knee injury.
Walters is a five-time leading goal kicker at the Dockers, his games tally is seventh all-time at the club and his 365 goals is second only to Matthew Pavlich.
“I have been working my backside off to try and get back to play some form of footy and while mentally I am still committed, unfortunately my body wouldn’t allow me to continue playing,” Walters said in a club statement.
Walters, who captained the Indigenous All-Stars against Freo earlier this year, has been playing to inspire the next generation of Indigenous players in the twilight of his career.
“After being drafted I saw how people from the community looked up to me and I wanted to be a role model for them to show that if I can make it, they can make it,” he added.
“Later on in my career I found a purpose and that purpose was to play for the next generation and give them some sort of inspiration.
“I wanted to be an example for kids in my area to let them know that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what size you are, if you work hard, you can make it, and I feel I have done that to the best of my ability.”
Walters, who was drafted with Pick 53 in 2008, was an All-Australian in 2019 when he kicked 40 goals and amassed 479 disposals.
He finishes his career as a Fremantle Life Member.
