As the AFL celebrates multiculturalism this round, the league’s only footballer with Sri Lankan heritage will take to the field wearing mini-Sri Lankan flags on his boots on Saturday night.

Fremantle defender Hayden Crozier said his family would be proud to watch him celebrate their heritage on the national stage against Melbourne.

“It’s something very special to me and something very special to my family, and to be the only Sri Lankan represented in the AFL – it’s very special,” he said.

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“I’m actually putting a couple of stickers on the back of my boots – the Sri Lankan flag – just to represent the heritage.”

Crozier, whose great-great-grandfather moved from Ireland to Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon), also has ties with the English and Dutch, according to his father.

“My Dutch ancestors, my dad tells me, they actually gave the keys over to the English when they came across,” he said.

Since being moved to the backline, a role he was previously unfamiliar with, Crozier has posted career high averages in disposals, disposal efficiency, metres gained, score involvements and intercept possessions.

But the 22-year old said much of his success could be attributed to the support of his teammates.

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“Having experienced campaigners around me – Zac Dawson, Lee Spurr, Garrick Ibbotson, Tommy Sheridan – those guys help me out immensely, especially with the coaching staff here at the club,” he said.

“Getting thrown down there was a good experience.”

Ahead of Fremantle’s trip to Darwin, Crozier noted the Demons’ team balance as a point of focus.

“I saw Melbourne’s game against Adelaide and they’ve got some special players,” he said.

“Especially in the forward line, you’ve got guys life [Jeff] Garlett, Dean Kent, Christian Petracca coming, so we know they’re a very dangerous outfit and they’re well covered across all three areas; defence, midfield and attack.

“It’s going to be a tough game.”