The club allocated its six recruits with jumper numbers on Wednesday.
Blakely only had to go to his new locker to realise his has a bit of history.
“I haven’t been told much about him (Walker), but I saw on the locker, 151 games,” he said.
“He’s a life member of the club. I think as time goes on I might get in contact with him and ask him a few questions.”
Walker played for Freo from 1999 to 2007. He took over the number from another important name in Fremantle Dockers history - Gary Dhurrkay.
Dhurrkay, who played 51 games for Freo from 1995 to 1998, was tragically killed in a 2005 car crash in the Northern Territory.
While Blakely received 19, fellow recruits Lachie Weller (14), Ed Langdon (26), Josh Deluca (39), Ethan Hughes (42) and Sean Hurley (45) were also handed their new numbers.
Blakely wore number 20 at Swan Districts and for WA’s State under 18 side.
He’s had a few conversations with Freo captain Matthew Pavlich, who has showed him a few things around the club and also given him some advice about jumper numbers.
“’Pav’ said a number is just a number,” Blakely said.
“Nineteen is one closer to 20… having this number, you feel a part of the team.”
Freo assistant coach/senior development coach Simon Lloyd said great responsibility came with being handed a new jumper number at an AFL club.
“No matter what uniform you’re given, there’s responsibility to your organisation, but also responsibility to yourself and your family,” he said.
“I think the players are well aware that they’ve walked in and they are going to be measured constantly.
“It’s all around. We’re an effort-based football club, and they know that already.”
