In the lead up to Fremantle’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash with Sydney at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, both senior coach Justin Longmuir and former player Antoni Grover were asked for their opinion on who they thought was the greatest Indigenous player at Fremantle.

Grover, who was the first Indigenous player to reach the 200 game milestone, said he found it difficult to pick just one player.

“There’s been some great players,” Grover said.

“When I was coming through, there was Dale Kickett, Troy Cook.

“I just look at Cookie and the way he handles himself off the field, and the same with Dale, that’s what you should look at as well, not just their influence while they’re playing but their influence outside the football club and after their careers.

“No doubt Michael Johnson being an All Australian, 244 games as well, that holds a fair bit of weight.

“I’m not picking anyone, as they’re all great players!”

Longmuir also thought it was a tough call, having played alongside many of Fremantle’s Indigenous greats from 1999 to 2007, but said one player stood out.

“We’ve had a rich history with Indigenous culture at this club,” Longmuir said.

“I was good mates with Troy Cook and loved the way he went about it.

“I loved Des Headland’s skill, I loved the way Antoni competed for every contest and took on every challenge.

“The number one is probably Kicketty (Dale Kickett). I loved the way he went about his footy, he’s so humble as a person and he competed so hard for the jumper every time he went out there.

“He’s probably my favourite but there’s a pretty long list.”

Fremantle will wear an Indigenous jumper designed by Grover and his sisters Nicole and Alicia for the clash. 

Longmuir said that he and the playing group loved the jumper design.

“The jumper design is fantastic, Antoni and his family have done an awesome job at that,” Longmuir said.

“The players are really excited to get out there and represent the club and represent the jumper.”