Former Fremantle Dockers champion Michael Walters is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of West Australian football after securing a key position within the state's talent development system.
From AFL Star to Development Leader
Michael Walters has been officially appointed as the Indigenous and Multicultural Relationship Manager for WA Football’s Performance Pathways and Development Team. The move comes after the small forward's retirement from the AFL midway through the 2024 season, concluding a distinguished career spanning 239 games and 365 goals for Fremantle.
Walters was a respected leader within the Aboriginal community during his playing days, a status formally recognised when he was named captain of the Indigenous All-Stars in February 2025. This leadership quality has now been identified as a major asset for developing the next generation of players.
Funding and Focus on Regional Talent
The newly created role has received funding support from the AFL. Peter Bell, WA Football’s Executive Manager of Performance Pathways and Development, who worked closely with Walters at Fremantle, welcomed the appointment.
"We are extremely grateful for the AFL to have provided funding support for Michael’s role," Bell said. "It is incredibly exciting to introduce Michael into our WA Talent Pathways. For all of our young athletes to have access to Michael and to learn from his experiences will leave a lasting impact."
A core part of the strategy involves providing more opportunities for players irrespective of their location. Walters' ability to connect with athletes in regional and remote areas will be a crucial component of the program's success.
Walters' Vision for the Future
Eager to begin his new chapter, Walters outlined his commitment to supporting young talent throughout their entire journey in the pathway system.
"I’m really looking forward to getting started and helping out WA footy and the talented players where I can from a support aspect," Walters stated. "I’m keen to play an important role in guiding more Indigenous and multicultural men and women to play the game that they love at a higher level, while enjoying their own individual journeys with them on-field but more importantly off-field."
His appointment signals a significant investment by WA Football in leveraging the experience of its icons to foster a more inclusive and successful talent development environment across Western Australia.
