AFL
Ryan grows taller

Exciting Fremantle midfielder Michael Frederick opened up on his family background and the motivation behind his career on the latest Yokayi Footy Show on afl.com.au.

The no.61 pick is three games into his AFL career after making his debut in the RAC Derby in July and is quickly becoming a fan favourite with the Purple Army. 

Frederick hails from Adelaide and has a twin brother Martin on the list at Port Adelaide.

He said they always wanted to play AFL and Frederick said he wanted to be a role model for those with a South Sudanese background. 

“It was always a dream, we never played any other sport,” Frederick said. 

“Ever since we were little, we grew up as Port supporters so it worked out for him to be at Port Adelaide.

“I guess, being on an AFL list is everything you want as a kid. Getting to play some games now as well, it’s a dream come true. 

“When I started seeing a few more South Sudanese or African background boys in the league, I guess that drove me a bit more.

“Seeing what (North Melbourne’s) Majak Daw has done, (Sydney’s) Aliir Aliir and now (Richmond’s) Mabior Chol, it’s really good to see and it’s following in their footsteps.

“Hopefully, our community knows that we’re out there and that means we can give hope to young African boys all over the country and back home as well.”

05:35

Michael Frederick joins Yokayi Footy

Yokayi Footy's Bianca Hunt yarns with Michael Frederick about his debut, culture and Fremantle's great win against Collingwood in round nine

Frederick said he enjoyed Fremantle’s focus on celebrating its strong Indigenous history and said he felt he related to it.

“We’re really family orientated. There’s a lot of respect for elders. A lot of the stuff we do with the Indigenous boys at the club really relates to my background as well,” Frederick said.

“It’s good to get a bit of insight from guys like Michael Walters and Stephen Hill with their culture.”

Since moving to Perth, Frederick said he keeps in close contact with his family back in Adelaide. 

“I always try and talk to my Mum as much as I can on the phone,” Frederick said. 

“Just to keep her happy. She just misses me around the house a little bit so I just try and cheer her up by showing my face on FaceTime and having a big chat to her.”