Michael Walters: Fremantle Dockers to farewell retiring great with half time tribute in Hawthorn Hawks game

Fremantle will wave goodbye to their favourite Son, with the club to pay tribute to Michael Walters during half time of Saturday night’s clash with Hawthorn.

Walters announced his retirement last Thursday, bringing an end to one of the club’s most storied careers after 239 games and 365 goals.

Fans will have one last chance to see Walters on home turf with the five-time leading goalkicker to complete a lap of honour during halftime against the Hawks.

The club will also display a highlights package on the big screen, while fans will also be able to collect a placard that reads “Fremantle’s Favourite Son-Son” from volunteers at selected gates upon entry.

Walters will also be honoured in his home suburb with Midland Gate announcing a new public art piece, a “Midland Legends Mural” celebrating locals who have had a lasting impact on society.

It comes after Dockers forward Isaiah Dudley paid tribute to Walters by replicating his ‘M’ celebration after kicking a goal against Sydney on Sunday.

“Midvale, Midland was a huge part of my life. I had a lot of mates back there that had more talent than what I had and I was able to go forward with a career with two of my best mates in Nic Nat and Chris Yarran,” Walters said at his retirement press conference.

“Everything I have achieved in my life, it all started back there. That’s why it’s important for me to get back there as much as I can.

“In the back-end of my career, I tried to represent Midvale-Midland as much as I can, I brought out the ‘M’ (celebration) over the last couple of years because I knew my time was coming to an end.”

The artwork is set to portray Walters in a life-like format and is being created by Noongar and Eastern Arrernte artist Jade Dolman (J.D. Penangke) and Brendan Lewis of Hope Perth Studios.