Clive Waterhouse will attend his first Fremantle game in Perth in 14 years this Saturday at Optus Stadium when Freo take on Collingwood. 

Waterhouse’s appearance will be one of the pre-match highlights of Fremantle’s Member thank you game, where the former Freo forward will take the ceremonial first kick in the leadup to bounce down.

While approximately 40,000 fans are expected to attend Fremantle’s final game of the season, Waterhouse spoke fondly of playing in front of a small but vocal fan base in the club’s early years.

“They were definitely a very loyal bunch and they were very loud,” Waterhouse said.

“We used to get crowds of 18 to 20 thousand and when we were up and going and winning, it was still a very electric atmosphere even with that size crowd.

“They were very vocal and very passionate. I haven’t been to a home game in 14 years so I’m hoping that it’s going to be the same on Saturday.

“Hopefully, I won’t get too excited and try and kick the ball from too far out as I know the hamstrings won’t be able to help!”

Waterhouse’s career peaked between 1999 and 2000 where he kicked 42 and 53 goals respectively and represented Australia at the 1999 International Rules Series.

Waterhouse spoke candidly about his later years at Fremantle, where he battled with numerous injuries and played 21 games in his final three seasons.

“I was disappointed with the way it finished for me,” Waterhouse said.

“In 1999 and 2000, I really felt I was getting my confidence in being an AFL player, confident out on the field and knowing where I was and where I belonged. 

“Then I think one year I had five hamstring injuries, I broke my collar bone then I did my knee and I had osteitis pubis as well.

“I just wasn’t able to generate enough training to be fit and I didn’t have any of my strengths which was basically my speed and my power.

“I suppose it was like Superman with Kryptonite around him and that’s pretty much what I felt like. It was very frustrating and it was a tough time near the end of my career.”

Waterhouse said he’s embraced life as a family man after his retirement.

“I’ve got a couple of kids, I’ve got one that’s autistic so you start realising that life’s not all about you and it’s not all about footy and that’s not the be all and end all,” Waterhouse said.

“You realise that once you step out of the football bubble but when you’re in it, it’s everything.”