There’s no doubt that exciting small forward Liam Henry would be a perfect fit for Fremantle, and the no.9 pick at the 2019 NAB AFL National Draft also feels right at home at his new club.
Henry has been connected to Fremantle for the past two years as a member of their Next Generation Academy, and he said he was proud to join a club with a strong Indigenous culture.
He is related to Michael Johnson, the club’s multicultural and indigenous officer, and has built a close relationship with Michael Walters.
Henry’s parents were clearly emotional when Fremantle matched Carlton’s bid at the draft, and the 18-year-old said he owed a lot to his family.
“My Mum and Dad encouraged me to do my best and be a role model for my younger siblings,” Henry said.
“Once my name got called out, it was a very emotional time and I just can’t thank my parents enough.
“They’ve sent me to a good boarding school, my Mum helped me with my applications and my Dad’s supported me with footy.
“Dad also knows the back tracks back home and the bushland, so it’s good to have that connection back to culture.
“They mean so much and they’re supported me with whatever dream I wanted to do, and that was to play AFL. Now that’s come true, it’s a humbling experience.”
Henry’s family is based in Derby and he also spent time growing up in Fitzroy Crossing and Tammin, the hometown of Dale Kickett.
He said he’s found it easy to build a connection with Fremantle due to the club’s close Indigenous links.
“Fremantle has a good history with their Indigenous players, especially Michael Walters, Stephen Hill and past players like Dale Kickett,” Henry said.
“There’s definitely a good relationship there, we have Michael Johnson there and you have Roger Hayden as a coach as well.
“They’ve given me so much guidance and support. It makes it easy to connect with others of Indigenous backgrounds with the similarities that we have, you can just get straight into it.
“We also have Jason Carter as well, being another NGA boy, it’s definitely good.”
Henry said his phone was ‘going off’ after his name was called, and he made sure he found time between photos and interviews back stage at Marvel Stadium to FaceTime Walters.
“Sonny and I have a good relationship. He’s been a good role model for myself, he’s a top player that I base my game on and I strive to be the best that I can,” Henry said.
“He’s definitely worked to become a better person off the field and that related to his on field.
“He’s been a massive part (of my preparations) coming up to the draft. He’s been through the system and he’s had some hardship that he’s had to overcome and he’s come out as a better person.
“He was an All Australian his year and I’m very humbled to be playing alongside him and to be able to learn from him.”
