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Fremantle Dockers star Michael Walters admits Gold Coast AFL hub isn’t as bad as he expected

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
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Fremantle star Michael Walters admits the experience of being isolated in a hub at Royal Pines has been a better experience than he expected after the first few days.

The father-of-three left his young family behind in Perth to head to Gold Coast as Fremantle restart their 2020 campaign in Queensland starting tomorrow against Brisbane at the Gabba.

Walters, 29, who admitted he was not sure about the idea of relocating when it came about, said he was enjoying the time away, especially getting to know his teammates better.

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“It has been pretty good, better than what I thought it was going to be,” Walters told SEN Breakfast.

“When I first heard of the idea that we might come into a hub on the Gold Coast, I was a bit sceptical, being away from family and all that kind of jazz.

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“Coming up here, it has been quite good. Been able to speak to the players on a different level... really bonding with them, getting to know them a fair bit, which is massive at a footy club.”

The All Australia said he was avoiding the PlayStation while at the golf resort and instead enjoying some downtime by himself when not on the training track.

“I got three kids at home, so I just like to sit in my room and relax while I can,” Walters said.

“I am not one to bring too much. A few boys have brought surfboards, PlayStations, Xbox.

Dockers stars Michael Walters and Nat Fyfe arrive on the Gold Coast earlier this week.
Camera IconDockers stars Michael Walters and Nat Fyfe arrive on the Gold Coast earlier this week. Credit: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I never really had a PlayStation my whole life. I probably had one early days, but I haven’t been one to play too many games.

“There is a lot of boys playing FIFA and (NBA) 2K in the players’ area, but if I go in there I just smashed, so I just keep clear of that sort of stuff.”

The proud Indigenous footballer also sent a strong message to any of the sceptics about the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I just want to say that we’re here, we’ve been here, we aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, so get used to it,” Walters said.

“To all of those that are sceptics about it, get used to it because we aren’t going anywhere.

“It’s not on us to change, it’s on you to change.”

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