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Fremantle Docker and Indigenous All-Stars captain Michael Walters talks leadership and being a role model

Michael Walters had two dreams as a kid. To play footy and to be a role model. Now as he prepares for his 17th season in the AFL, he’s earned the right to captain the Indigenous All-Stars against Fremantle at Optus Stadium and be the leader who players from around the nation turn to for leadership during an occasion they treasure. It’s a fitting reward for a man who, by the end of this season, will be ranked top five for the most games played at Fremantle, and second for goals kicked after previously spending five years in the leadership group. It’s a far cry from 2012 when he was banished to Swan Districts for 11 weeks to get himself into shape. That moment changed Walters’ life and he’s always used it as a lesson for other players for what is possible. “The main thing for me was that I wanted to be a role model and I wanted to lead the next generation. Hopefully they can look up to someone like me,” Walters said. “Regardless of whatever your background is, as long as you’re fully committed and you’re dedicated to to what you want to do, and you have a clear vision of what you want to do, you’ll be fine. That’s something I struggled with. “I’d always wanted to play football, but talent only gets you so far. It’s the hard work and other stuff that you have to do to ensure that you have that career. “That’s something I learned when Ross Lyon got here. It’s something that I want to try and teach. Everyone’s got talent, but not everyone has a hard work aspect. That’s something I really had to learn. “I had a baby on the way too, so that also flipped the switch within my mind. You’ve got a career that you can either leave behind, or you can chase hard. If you fail, as long as you know that you put 100 per cent in, then it’s okay.” Walters’ leadership style combines an intensity on the field which demands high standards with the playful, fun nature behind closed doors that always lightens the mood. His ability to build relationships has always been a feature and Walters has strong friendships with other Indigenous players around the country. He’ll never forget meeting the game’s most admired Indigenous players when he started playing for Fremantle. “Those are the memories that you definitely hold for a long time,” Walters said. “Those are the types of guys who when you first see them, they’ve got halos on their head. It’s a bit like when you play against Gary Ablett - you feel like they’re running around with a halo on there. “Those types of guys have an aura about them, but at the same time, they’re authentic and they bring everyone along. They make you feel included. They make you feel as comfortable as you can. They still my mates to this day. “Someone like Micky O’Loughlin used to watch my dad playing when he was growing up back in South Australia. So to have that sort of bond with him is incredible.” Walters bobs up everywhere to lead and inspire. You’ll see him at junior footy and basketball events, he’s the Perth Lynx number one ticket holder and supports them passionately with his family at each home game His generous nature was on show last season while recovering from injury. Walters was jogging laps when a child approached him in the forward pocket. The star Docker stopped running and had shots at goal with the wide eyed youngster before getting back on with his training. “I don’t do stuff for the recognition or notoriety or anything like that. I do stuff because it’s just genuine,” Walters said. “It’s a young kid out there having a kick. I remember when I was younger, all I want to do was just run up and have a kick with a footy player. I was a massive Geelong supporter. I loved Peter Riccardi. I remember when he kicked the ball at Subiaco Oval when he had a shot at goal and it sort of fell in the lap. That was one of the highlights of my life as a young kid. “It’s not hard to to give a little back. It’s not hard to have a kick with a kid, or an adult, because at the end of the day, you’re in a position where you can inspire, you can be a leader and and you can show the next generation what’s possible. “I don’t want to be known as a as a d...head. I want to be known as someone that put hard work into into his football club, and someone that worked hard regardless of whatever the situation was.” Walters knows the clock is ticking on his illustrious career. He’s 34, had injury concerns in the last 12 months, is out of contract at the end of the season and only two men - David Mundy and Aaron Sandilands - have played beyond their 35th birthday. He’s thrilled with what he’s achieved individually but said that’s never been his motivation. “The accolades, if you call them that, that’s the type of stuff that I hope my mum and dad are proud of. They’re the ones that took me to training, took me to footy, and they made it so much easier for me. All I had to do was rock up to training and play. Those types of things are good, but it’s not what I play for,” he said. “I play footy because I enjoyed it. I love the game. My dad played footy. I loved being the water boy for his footy club. All of his mates are like uncles to me, so footy’s always been in my blood. It’s always been something that I really enjoyed, and something that sort of takes my mind away from other things. “I’m a realist. I’ve been blessed with a with a long career. A lot of people didn’t think I’ll make it this far. I’m one that likes to prove people wrong. “Whether it’s my last year or not, I’m definitely going to approach it the same way. I’ll train as hard as I can. I’ve always put my effort into training. I always feel like I go out there and I try and set the tone. “I try and work as hard as I can, and I try to push myself and my body, through everything I can. That’s held me in pretty good stead and this year I am going to do the same. “I’m 34 years old but there’s no difference. I still feel pretty good. I heal from injuries pretty well and I’m going to give myself every every opportunity to play games this year.” Walters also knows this could be his only opportunity to play for the All-Stars. And, as captain, he’ll be stressing the importance of savouring every moment when the team gathers in Perth during the week. “You never know if we’re ever going to play together again. So you want to make sure it’s enjoyable, it’s fun, and it’s also a memorable one for everybody,” he said.

The West Australian exclusiveFremantle Docker and Indigenous All-Stars captain Michael Walters talks leadership and being a role model

exclusive
Fremantle Docker and Indigenous All-Stars captain Michael Walters talks leadership and being a role model