Young footballers from across Western Australia came together at Baldivis Sport Complex on Tuesday 6 October for the 2026 Woodside Energy Michael Walters Shield, the Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy 12’s carnival.
After a full day of round-robin football, Peel Thunder Purple were crowned the 2026 Michael Walters Shield champions.
The carnival capped off a four-week development program that reached 525 participants, with a focus on fundamental skills, game sense and personal growth.
On carnival day, 320 players took the field representing Fremantle’s WAFL-aligned zones: Claremont, East Fremantle, Peel Thunder, South Fremantle and West Perth.
Regional representation was one of the standout features of the Shield, with 15 players travelling to Baldivis from across WA.
- Five players from the Kimberley
- Five players from the South West
- Two players from Mullewa
- Two players from Geraldton
- One player from Katanning
Their involvement reflected the Next Generation Academy’s commitment to creating football opportunities for young players in both metropolitan and regional communities.
The Academy, proudly supported by Woodside Energy, provides pathways for players aged 11 to 18 across Fremantle’s WAFL-aligned zones.
The day was also shaped by the contribution of students from the SEDA Sport, Business and Leadership program, who helped run, officiate and umpire the carnival.
Community coaches also played an important role, gaining valuable development-level coaching experience while supporting the next wave of young footballers.
The Michael Walters Shield carries the name of a Fremantle great who has been a strong advocate for the Next Generation Academy and its role in opening pathways for Indigenous and multicultural young people.
Fremantle Football Club thanks Woodside Energy for its ongoing support of the Next Generation Academy, along with every player, family, coach and volunteer who helped make the 2026 Michael Walters Shield such a success.
