From his nine seasons at Fremantle, Michael Walters has watched his fair share of Indigenous Round clashes from the sidelines.
Since joining Fremantle in 2008, Walters has only run out for the 2011, 2015 and 2016 Indigenous Rounds, and the small forward says he won’t take Saturday’s clash with the Crows at Adelaide Oval for granted.
“Being indigenous is an important thing for me,” Walters said.
“To play Indigenous Round, I think I’ve only played it a few times before over my nine years, so it’s always important for me.
“And to also play in Adelaide where my dad is from, and my family will be there as well - so to play in front of them is a massive bonus.”
Fremantle will wear their new away indigenous jumper, designed by no.1 ticket holder Richard Walley and former Freo player Dale Kickett.
The design continues the theme of Fremantle’s original indigenous jumper, with the three chevrons altered to boomerangs to represent the past, present and future of the club.
The guernsey also features artwork around the body of the jumper, with the discs representing Fremantle’s players, administration and fans.
The wider design denotes the six Nyoongar seasons, which are Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang - and the waves of energy that flows through each of these seasons as nature changes during the year.
Fremantle face a tough test against the first placed Crows, who ended a two-game losing streak with an emphatic 80-point win against Brisbane on Saturday at the Gabba.
“We need to actually plan, especially going to Adelaide Oval," Walters said.
"They had a big win on Saturday so we need to make sure we bring our A game early and have a fast start."
“We need to make sure we stick to our brand and finish the contest early.”
