Former Fremantle forward Todd Ridley will look to recreate his heroics 25-years on when he takes the ceremonial first kick at Sunday’s AFL season opener against North Melbourne at Optus Stadium.

On 1 April 1995, Ridley kicked Fremantle’s first AFL goal against Richmond at the MCG, making him a fitting selection to appear in round one’s pre-game ceremony.

In 2019, Fremantle will celebrate their 25th year in the AFL and will wear a commemorative 25-year guernsey.

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Ridley played 21 games and kicked 16 goals between 1995 and 1997 for Fremantle, but it is his first goal that lives on in the memory.

“I’ve seen it quite a few times over the years,” Ridley said.

“Even though it was 25 years ago, I do remember the game. It was a big occasion, playing for a brand new footy club in the AFL.

“I remember quite clearly, my mate Jamie Merillo passed it to me. I think Chris Groom had a shot beforehand and missed, so when I got a set shot from just about directly in front, I was pretty keen to have a kick and I’m glad I put it through.” 

Ridley’s boots were bronzed following the game and used to be a popular feature on the Fremantle café stip following the goal.

“I don’t even know who bronzed them, but they took them off me straight after the game and said they would give me a new pair of boots next week at training,” Ridley said.

“I’m not sure where they are now, I know they were bought at an action by a restaurant in Freo in the early days, Old Papas. At the time, that restaurant, they were a big supporter of the club in the early days.”

Ridley said he was looking forward for the day’s events, starting with a scratch match for past players and their kids at 1.25pm and his kick at 3pm ahead of bounce down at 3.20pm.

He added that he won’t be kicking from as far out as his original goal.

“I could maybe give it a crack, it was about 35 to 40 metres, but I don’t think I’ll be kicking from that far out on Sunday,” Ridley said.