Collingwood recruit Lachie Schultz booed by Walyalup (Fremantle) Dockers fans on return to Optus Stadium

Lachie Schultz has been booed by disgruntled Walyalup (Fremantle) fans as the ex-Docker returned to Optus Stadium to face his former side for the first time.

In his milestone 100th game, the Collingwood recruit started the Friday night clash as the deepest forward, waiting until the eight-minute mark of the opening term for his first touch.

Schultz only had the ball in his hands for only a moment but the chorus of boos rang around the stadium, followed by a cheer from the Pies faithful at the sold-out blockbuster. He managed two touches in the opening term.

In an exclusive interview with The West Australian earlier this week, the 26-year-old said he expected a frosty reception.

“I’ve had a lot of cheers for me in that stadium in the past but there’s probably going to be a few boos for this one,” the former Dockers fan favourite said.

But he said any hard feelings from Walyalup fans are one-sided.

“They are just such passionate and loyal fans and I’ve got nothing but love and respect for them,” Schultz said.

“I think booing is part of our game now and I’ve got to sort of embrace that.

“I will always be grateful for everything they gave me in my time at Freo, so what will be will be, they can do whatever they like - that’s fine.”

Schultz shocked the Dockers when he requested a trade home to Victoria at the end of last season, despite a year to run on his contract.

The small forward said personal reasons were behind his trade request but caught the ire of Walyalup when he requested a move to the reigning premiers.

Collingwood traded their 2024 first round pick, as well as pick 34 in last year’s draft to secure Schultz, who had played 90 games for the Dockers across five seasons.