Michael Walters hopes Fremantle can deliver an improved performance for Stephen Hill’s 200th game when the club takes on Melbourne at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday night.

Hill and Walters were drafted together at a fruitful 2008 National Draft, with Hill taken with pick no.3 and Walters with pick no.53.

The pair have grown close during their 10 seasons at Fremantle to date, with Walters crediting Hill for his own development.

“He’s been massive for me. I spend the majority of my days with him,” Walters said. 

“We’re all close and I can’t wait to go up there and see him run out in his 200th, see his family proud of him.

“Let’s just hope we can put on a good performance.”

Hill will become the 10th Fremantle player to reach the milestone and the club’s third Indigenous player alongside Michael Johnson and Antoni Grover.

Walters is sure the day will be a special one for everyone close to Hill.

“It’s going to be very emotional for his family and a big moment for him and his AFL career,” Walters said.

“It’s something I know he’s wanted to achieve in life from when he was a kid and it will be good to get to run out there next week alongside him for his 200th in Darwin.”