Michael Walters has joined fellow veteran Nat Fyfe by signing a two-year contract extension that will see him remain at the Club until at least the 2025 season.
Walters was the 53rd selection at the 2008 AFL draft and has played 211 games and kicked 331 goals in his 15 seasons at Fremantle so far.
The star forward said his connection to the Club was the key reason behind wanting to sign on as he and Fremantle chase their maiden premiership.
“I’m thrilled to announce I’ve signed on for another two years. I’m very excited, very happy and it makes me a one-club player, which is good,” Walters said.
“It’s the Club I always wanted to come to, the Club that I’ve been at for my whole adulthood. It’s good to be here for a further two years.
“We (Walters and Fyfe) have been here for a long time, we’ve seen a lot of players come and go through the team and the young group that are stepping up at the moment are playing some unreal footy.
“The young boys are always eager to learn, get better each and every day, which also keeps us motivated. The ultimate team success is something that we’re chasing and something we want to get before we do retire.”
Walters has 16 goals from nine games so far this season, highlighted by his four goals against West Coast and Gold Coast and three against Geelong in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Walters said his teammates have helped him maintain his passion for the game.
“With me getting back to enjoying footy again, it comes with the young boys making me feel young and feel good about myself,” Walters said.
“I’m really enjoying my footy, and I always said, when you enjoy something there’s no doubt you perform better.”
Walters was disappointed to miss Walyalup’s win against Narrm but is hopeful of returning from his calf injury against Richmond in round 13 following the bye.
“I was close (to playing Narrm), I could have pushed myself but there’s no point pushing yourself when the team is in good form,” Walters said.
“They went over and got the job done. The bye helps me to rest up and get the calf right.
“You don’t want to get injured but it was a good time the injury did come, and I was lucky enough I got to play the first Sir Doug Nicholls Round game (against Geelong), it’s a round I love and am passionate about, and I try and perform in.
“The plan is to get back for the Richmond clash, I don’t want to push myself, but I can’t help myself! There’s no doubt I’ll put my hand up for sure.”
Head of Player Personnel David Walls said Walters’ passion for the game has rubbed off on Freo’s young playing list.
“He brings real energy and passion to the group and he’s a real leader in that regard, particularly with some of our guys who are a bit quieter, Sonny comes in with plenty of passion and just loves the Club,” Walls said.
“It’s brilliant he’s going to be a one Club player and he can keep bringing that passion and he deserves success.
“I feel the Club is heading in the right direction and he wants to be a part of it for as long as possible.
“Both Nat and Sonny were really good to deal with and understand where our list is at, where we’re going and what we’re trying to do.”
