The significance of this week’s Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round can’t be understated, according to Fremantle midfielder Michael Walters.

The round is a celebration of the AFL’s indigenous players and the impact they have had on our game, and is something Walters takes great pride in.

“It’s a proud moment,” Walters said.

Freo to honour indigenous culture

“The significance (of the round) is right up there in my mind and I really enjoy playing in it.

“It’s something we always look forward to as a culture.

“As indigenous kids in the community you’d hear about the greats (of the game) so it’s always a sensational feeling to run out there and play in those sort of games."

Walters said he had fond memories of watching indigenous greats of Australian football growing up, and that the special occasion will only help breed future stars on the big stage.


Michael Walters displays the message sticks.

“There’s guys like Andrew McLeod, Peter and Phil Matera,” he said.

“There’s been a lot of indigenous greats come through and hopefully in the future we’ll see heaps more.

“Hopefully they’ll want to grow up and play in an indigenous round game.”

Walters displayed Freo’s indigenous guernsey for this week’s clash with St Kilda and also spoke of the importance of the message sticks that will be handed to Saints captain Nick Riewoldt before the game.

“The message sticks symbolise the flow of water and both teams coming together,” he said.

“It will be good to hand it over to Nick Riewoldt and it’s something that I’m really proud of.”