Fremantle will farewell a club legend with five-time leading goalkicker Michael Walters announcing his immediate retirement on Thursday morning.

The man affectionately known as ‘Sonny’ will cut short his 17th season at the club with injuries keeping him from adding to his games tally this season.

Ironically, it means his final game was against the club he has been a talisman for, captaining the Indigenous All Stars to a win over the Dockers in a pre-season exhibition match in February.

Walters retires as a legend of the club, having been drafted with pick 53 in 2008, going on to kick 365 goals from his 239 games, earning an All-Australian blazer and life membership in 2019.

Only Hall of Famer Matthew Pavlich has more goals than Walters, while he sits seventh for games played, one behind Nat Fyfe and is second behind Michael Johnson (244) for Indigenous games played.

He was also part of the 2013 grand final side, kicking two goals in a losing effort, and while he won’t be there as the Dockers look to climb the premiership mountain this season, the 34-year-old says he’s at peace with the decision.

“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.

“I never left a stone unturned, I tried to return and play again at the top level, and it just didn’t work out.”

Walters paid tribute to his family, saying he was humbled by the support he had received throughout his footballing journey.

“My family has played a big part in my entire footy career,” Walters said.

“Firstly, starting with my Mum, Dad and brother. I still remember waking up for junior footy and my mum had packed my gear and was ready to go with a warm bowl of porridge.

“My Dad, who was my first idol, gave me my passion for footy and has given me feedback on all my games, including right up to my last one this year.

“I’ve always looked up to my brother and he has always taken care of me and has always been in my corner throughout my entire life.

“While my wife, Marnie, has ridden the bumps with me. We talk about purpose in life and football, and she gave me a purpose, along with my kids as well.”

Walters grew up on Bushby Street, the same Midvale patch as West Coast’s Nic Natainui and Carlton’s Chris Yarran and was drafted after just two league games for Swan Districts.

However, after 13 games in his first three seasons, Walters was sent back to the Black Swans to get his fitness right, and, bar one game in 2014, it was his last stint in the WAFL for more than a decade.

Walters became one of the best small forwards in the competition, with executive general manager of football Joe Brierty describing Sonny as an inspiration.

“Sonny has inspired a generation over his career, not just as a football, but a leader, a mentor and a cultural custodian,” Brierty said.

“He’s shown that with hard work, belief and pride in culture, you can overcome anything and thrive.”

“He had the ability to lift those around him, from young teammates to kids in the community, it was something powerful to see firsthand.

“He’s played with x-factor, courage, and heart, but he would also lead with deep cultural pride and responsibility, never forgetting where he’s come from and who he represents.”

Walters quickly became a favoured son for Freo fans as he quickly filled up highlight reels in his prime with his match-turning moments.

Transitioning from a forward into the midfield, then back to the forward line before finishing his career playing largely as a sub, Walters was an ultimate team man, and his care for others also spilled out off the field.

Despite his many highlights, he hopes that will be his greatest legacy as a footballer.

“I’m just a boy from Midland who wanted to play the game that he loved,” he said.

“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.

“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.”