Fremantle’s indigenous players have created a message stick that will be handed to the opposition prior to Sunday’s clash with St Kilda.

The message stick is a part of Freo’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, which commence on Sunday.

Fremantle will also be wearing their home version of the Indigenous Round jumper for the game.

In round 10 against Adelaide, Fremantle broke an AFL record by fielding eight indigenous players in the same side.

“It’s very important, we hold NAIDOC Week in the same significance as Indigenous Round,” Walters said.

“Not only for us as players but past players and the community which gets involved as well, so it’s really important for us.

“This year we also broke a record playing with the most indigenous players in a single AFL game so it’s massive for us as players and it’s massive for the club.”

The message stick was made by Fremantle’s no.1 ticket holder Richard Walley, and subsequently painted by the players on Friday.

“The message shows the Swan River and it bringing east and west together,” Walters said.

“There’s a lot of significance in it. We’ll be handing it to St Kilda before the game and it’s something that was a bonding experience for the indigenous players.”

Walters acknowledged that St Kilda has a strong indigenous history through former great Nicky Winmar.

“Nicky Winmar is the one who set the standard and he stood up for something that he truly believed,” Walters said.

“Without him there wouldn’t be as many indigenous players playing the game as there is now. He set the standard and we need to hold his legacy and to keep going.” 

“It’s going to be a tough game.

“We know what sort of side they are, they’re a formidable strong running team and we need to make sure we bring our A-game.

“We need to be up the pace early and we can’t allow them to get their free flowing footy.”