It was an eye-opening experience for Clive Waterhouse when he was treated to a tour of the club’s new elite training facility at Cockburn Central on Friday.
Now an accounts manager for a construction company in Adelaide, Waterhouse made the most of his trip to Perth with a visit of his former club.
Everything was different to the 106-game player, including his no.26 locker, now used by Ed Langdon, which is at least double the size of his locker at Fremantle Oval.
“It’s a massive upgrade from the last place, it’s huge. It’s amazing how the game’s changed,” Waterhouse said.
“Just the size of it, out here you’ve got the basketball courts which they have access with marking so you can do your indoor training. It’s just all in one spot.”
The former no.1 draft pick also commented that he noticed a big step up in professionalism.
“I was just watching in the gym, the one-on-ones and that sort of stuff with the sports science guys,” Waterhouse said.
“It’s a lot more professional, from the the media room and the weights room and the pool facilities.”
Despite living in Adelaide, Waterhouse said he was well aware of his cult status within the Freo fandom, but is more than happy to be one of the Freo faithful himself.
“I don’t really miss playing football much to be honest, I enjoy my life a little bit more now than when I did when I was playing,” Waterhouse said.
“I definitely still follow Fremantle. It’s good to see quite a few of the youngsters coming through at the moment, so I think there’s some exciting times ahead in the next couple of years.”
Waterhouse said his favourite Freo player was an easy choice.
“Well it’s obviously Fyfe isn’t it? He’s a great player to watch,” Waterhouse said.
“What he does on the field is amazing and it’s good to see him moving well near the end of this season. It’s going to be interesting to see how he goes next year, I think he’s going to be bigger and better.
“It’s exciting times, the two Hill boys (Stephen and Bradley) as well and Michael Walters is exciting to watch.”
The 43-year-old said he was sad to see Domain Stadium go - the venue where he played 45 of his 106 AFL games.
“I’m pretty disappointed I didn’t get back and watch before Subi finished up but I’m pretty keen to see the new Perth Stadium and, hopefully, next year I’ll get to one of the games,” Waterhouse said.
Waterhouse said some of his favourite memories came from representing Australia in the International Rules Series in 1999 after kicking 42 goals for Fremantle that year.
“I think the first derby win was a big thing and I think playing on the MCG and playing for Australia was a big thing as well,” Waterhouse said.
“I got to play in front of a big crowd at the MCG that series too which was quite exciting.”
