When Michael Walters was presented his match guernsey for game 150, it came from an old mentor and friend.
Fremantle legend Des Headland handed Walters the retro jumper, that he would soon wear as he ran out for the 150thtime for Fremantle.
For Walters, the presentation carried with it a chance to reflect on his early days at the football club.
“It was incredible, I mean Des is one of those guys that was always there,” Walters said.
“When I got drafted I didn’t have my license, so mum would drop me off at Ellenbrook at Des’ house every day for the first two to three years.
“He is someone that stuck by me throughout my career, he hung in there and he showed me a lot of good things throughout my career.
“Michael Johnson and Roger Hayden were there as well, so I can’t leave those guys out either.”
Walters was a standout for Freo in his milestone game, with 36 disposals (14 contested), eight marks, seven clearances and two goals to his name.
Walters felt the occasion marked more for his family and support network than it did an individual accolade.
“The 150 is good, it gives me life membership but that’s more for my family to enjoy,” Walters said.
“It’s for the people that have been there from the start, the ones that helped me through my career as a junior.
“A lot of it goes to my mum, my dad, my brother but also uncles and aunties that really hung in there and kept me on the straight and narrow.
Walters enjoyed the opportunity to share his 150thwith the farewell home games of Aaron Sandilands and Hayden Ballantyne.
“To go out there and share it with Ballas and ‘Spide’ (Sandilands) it was incredible,” Walters said.
“I couldn’t think of two better blokes to run out there with and celebrate something together.
“It was a bit of an emotional night but emotion doesn’t get it done, action gets it done under pressure.
“To both Hayden and Spide, they have had fantastic careers…and you always know what you’re going to get when you run down the race with them.”
