Fremantle AFL players will return to training next month, adamant the legacy of Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters will live on.
Speaking after his exit interview last month, captain Alex Pearce farewelled the last two players who had remained at the Club from when he was drafted in 2013.
Having played over half of his current 138 games alongside both Fyfe (76 games) and Walters (106 games), Pearce shared the impact they have had on him personally, as well as the entire Club.
“Sonny (Walters) will leave a huge legacy on and off the field in what he’s done for our Club. He’s been such a strong leader and I have so many great memories watching him at games and at training,” Pearce said.
“To have a front-row seat to his career has been fantastic, and he’s always been someone who’s had great faith in me, which I’ve really appreciated.
“It was sad to see him not being able to play out his final season and not being able to get what he deserves. Unfortunately, that’s how footy is, but he’ll be remembered as one of the greatest-ever players.
“Fyfey finishing up, he’s had a huge impact on my career. A former housemate and a guy who’s taught me a lot about preparing to be a footballer and a leader as well.
“Again, to share the field with him, an all-time great of the competition, we’ve probably taken him for granted sometimes just because of how good these guys are, but he’ll be remembered forever, especially by his teammates for what he sacrificed for us and for his Club.
“Not many people have gone through what Nat’s gone through physically, and he’s continued to keep fighting and keep going.
“Again, I would have loved to have had the fairytale ending for him because that’s what he deserves, but unfortunately, that’s just not what happens sometimes. It’s been an absolute privilege to be able to know him and play with him.
“Two guys that will be forever remembered and have left a mark on so many different players throughout their time at the Club.
“The legacy they’ve left will continue and fans will cling to the memories that they have of them.
“It’s the end of an era.”
As one chapter closes on two of the greatest servants the Club has ever seen, another opens, with Pearce describing the safe hands of Fremantle’s next generation of young talent taking the Club forward in the chase for the ultimate goal.
“Guys like Murphy Reid enter the frame,” Pearce said.
“He probably had the most impressive first season I’ve seen from a player. What impressed me most was how, as the year went on and he got fatigued and it became crunch time, he really stood up in big moments.
“For a 19-year-old it’s so exciting to know we have him with us and I can’t wait to see what he brings over the next few years.
“Other guys like Karl Worner had an amazing year for us down back - taking a huge step forward and becoming one of the most trusted and respected players on our team with how courageous he is.
“Shai Bolton has given us so much, and we look like a much different team up forward when he’s out there.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can do with these guys, among others.”
Fremantle’s players and coaching staff are currently on leave with 1-4 year players returning to training on 24 November, while five-plus-year players are back from 1 December.
