Freo forward Michael Walters played his first game of football since April, starring in Peel Thunder’s one-point loss to South Fremantle at Fremantle Oval.

A late fight back from South Fremantle and goal on the siren from Jarrod Pickett won it 13.17.95 to 14.10.94 for the home side, despite Peel leading the contest for most of the day.

Walters finished with a goal to go with his 19 possessions and he was just happy to get through the game unscathed.

“I felt good all game, there’s just one more stepping stone to go,” he said.

Walters spent the majority of the first quarter on the bench before the entering the game.

“That was the plan…just get out there and for me I just wanted to get through,” he said.

“It’s been so long on the sidelines and I think I played 75 minutes.

“It’s pretty good to be playing footy once again.”

When asked about being ready for an AFL return, Walters said the decision was out of his hands.

“Not sure…I haven’t really thought about it,” he said.

“I just want to play consistent footy while I can, whether it’s in the WAFL or AFL.

“At the end of the day match committee make that decision and I’m just happy to play my role and just do what the coach says.

“My main goal was to help out the younger boys and hopefully get a kick as well.”

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