'Inspired a generation': Dockers champion retires after 239 games

Michael Walters celebrates a goal during Fremantle's AAMI Community Series game against Melbourne on March 2, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

FREMANTLE veteran Michael Walters is at peace with his decision to retire after failing to overcome an ongoing knee injury.

Walters made his retirement official on Thursday, bringing down a glittering 239-game AFL career that featured 365 goals.

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The 34-year-old underwent knee surgery during the summer, made it back to appear for the Indigenous All Stars and a Dockers pre-season match, before being sidelined again.

Walters made his comeback on limited minutes via the WAFL last month, but the writing was on the wall when he pulled up sore from that match.

"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."

Pick 53 in the 2008 national draft, Walters was a key figure at the Dockers during their run to a Grand Final in 2013 and was one of the best small forwards in the competition in his prime, winning All-Australian selection with a 40-goal season in 2019.

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"Sonny has inspired a generation over his career, not just as a football, but a leader, a mentor and a cultural custodian," Dockers footy boss Joe Brierty said.

"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."

With Walters' future now determined, more attention will turn to fellow veteran Nat Fyfe.

Fyfe, who also underwent knee surgery over the summer, missed the start of the season due to a hamstring injury.

The 33-year-old made a successful comeback last month, but he will now miss the next two to four weeks after injuring his calf while warming up as the sub during last week's 12-point win over St Kilda.

Walters won Fremantle's goalkicking award across five separate seasons and will go down as one of the club's best ever forwards.

"My family has played a big part in my entire footy career," he said.

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"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."

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