Fremantle veteran Michael Walters is at peace with his decision to retire after failing to overcome an ongoing knee injury.
Walters made his retirement official on Thursday, bringing down a glittering 239-game AFL career that featured 365 goals.
The 34-year-old underwent knee surgery during the summer, made it back to appear for the Indigenous All Stars and a Dockers pre-season match, before being sidelined again.
Michael Walters played 239 games for Fremantle. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Walters made his comeback on limited minutes via the WAFL last month, but the writing was on the wall when he pulled up sore from that match.
“I have been working my backside off to try and get back to play some form of footy and while mentally I am still committed, unfortunately my body wouldn’t allow me to continue playing,” Walters said.
“I never left a stone unturned, I tried to return and play again at the top level and it just didn’t work out.”
With Walters’ future now determined, more attention will turn to fellow veteran Nat Fyfe.
Fyfe, who also underwent knee surgery over the summer, missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury.
The 33-year-old made a successful comeback last month, but he will now miss the next two to four weeks after injuring his calf while warming up as the sub during last week’s 12-point win over St Kilda.
Walters won Fremantle’s goalkicking award across five separate seasons and will go down as one of the club’s best ever forwards.
“My family has played a big part in my entire footy career,” Walters said.
“Firstly, starting with my mum, dad and brother. I still remember waking up for junior footy and my mum had packed my gear and was ready to go with a warm bowl of porridge.
“My dad, who was my first idol, gave me my passion for footy and has given me feedback on all my games, including right up to my last one this year.
“I’ve always looked up to my brother and he has always taken care of me and has always been in my corner throughout my entire life, while my wife, Marnie, has ridden the bumps with me.
“We talk about purpose in life and football, and she gave me a purpose, along with my kids as well.”
AAP
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