When Fremantle announced their greatest 25 players on Friday night at the Fremantle Dockers Gala Ball at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, an incredible eight Indigenous players were named.

Approximately 3.3% of Australians identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, yet Indigenous footballers made up 32 per cent of the ‘25 since 95’ team.

This included four Indigenous players in Freo’s back six of Roger Hayden, Dale Kickett, Michael Johnson and Antoni Grover.

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Jeff Farmer and Michael Walters were named in the forward line, Stephen Hill on the wing and Troy Cook on the interchange.

Pavlich, who was named as the team’s captain on the night, praised the contribution that Indigenous players have made to the club since 1995.

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“The Fremantle footy club has always had a rich history with Indigenous people, both on and off the field,” Pavlich said.

“I think it’s always been a great thing for the club to have this Indigenous influence.

“I’ve played with some unbelievably talented Indigenous players, but they’re all just great people as well.

“Having the likes of Roger Hayden and Dale Kickett down in the backline, I loved playing with those guys.

“We’ve had Jeff Farmer and Michael Walters, I’ve spent a lot of time with them in the forward line and I remember the hardness of Troy Cook and the speed and silk of Stephen Hill.” 

“I’ve loved playing with all of those guys and I have such fond memories of running down the race with them.”