Retiring Fremantle Docker Michael Walters amazed by Midland mural as he prepares to say farewell to fans

Fremantle star Michael Walters has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love since he announced his retirement last week and was blown away on Friday after seeing a giant mural painted in his honour in Midland.

Walters’ illustrious career came to an end after 239 games as injuries took their toll on his body. He will be farewelled by fans at half-time of Saturday night’s game against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium when he walks a lap of honour. Dockers fans will be given “Fremantle’s Favourite Son-Son” placards when they arrive at the ground.

But while that farewell will emotional, Walters was stunned when he saw the mural which had been painted by local artists Hope Perth and Jade Dolman at Midland Gate Shopping Centre, which includes the M hand signal he used to celebrate goals

“It’s unbelievable,” Walters said.

“At the back end of my career I really made it a Midland-themed focus for myself because that’s where it all started. Hope and Jade did an amazing job. They nailed a lot. They’re really good artists. They did an amazing job. I’m proud of it.

“Thanks to Midland Gate as well because I used to always come here on a Thursday night with friends and walk around. It’s funny how the world works. You hang out at one place and then all of a sudden you have an impact at that place as well.”

Walters’ popularity among Fremantle fans has always been clear, but he said it had been hard for him to understand how he was perceived while playing. He said the love he’d received since retiring will make his lap of honour a moment to savour.

“I reckon i’ll be pretty emotional,” he said.

“Purely because I love playing the game and my whole childhood has been based around playing football and trying to make it to the AFL. Now that that is officially over, there’s no more AFL and there’s no more dream to be had in that sport, it will definitely be emotional.

“I didn’t realise the impact I’d had on people. I didn’t realise the respect I had in the community. You do lose that when you do play. A lot of different things on social media get in the way of what you really are as a person.

“Most of the feedback I’ve been getting has been based around what I’m like off the field, not the stuff I do on the field. It’s more so we taking time out to have photos. It’s the small things you don’t realise at the time that essentially add up.”