All-Stars dream alive for Fremantle veteran Michael Walters despite pre-season knee surgery

Jackson Clark Published January 9, 2025 at 9.10am (AWST)

sport

Michael Walters has undergone minor knee surgery. (Image: Getty Images/AFL)

Fremantle veteran Michael Walters is facing a delayed start to his 2025 pre-season preparations after undergoing minor knee surgery.

The 34-year-old forward underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee during the Christmas break, but is recovering well and will be expected to join the club for training within the next few weeks.

The Dockers' Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty provided an update last night.

"Michael had an arthroscope completed over the break following some ongoing symptoms in his knee," Brierty said.

"Pleasingly he has recovered well and the plan is to resume in the football program over the next couple of weeks."

Fremantle champion Nat Fyfe is also expected to undergo a similar surgery following an incident at training.

"These bodies can continue to cause issues and surgical removal can provide the most predictable outcome to avoid ongoing symptoms," Brierty said.

Dockers veteran Michael Walters at a club training session. (Image: Fremantle Football Club)

Walters is expected to be fit to play in the upcoming AFL Indigenous All-Stars clash against Fremantle on February 15 at Optus Stadium in Perth.

The Menang Noongar and Ngarrandjerri man told media late last year that playing for the All-Stars has been a lifelong ambition.

"As a young kid, you aspired and dreamed of playing in these games," Walters told the Dockers' media team.

"I used to watch Andrew McLeod and the Davey brothers running around up in Darwin when they played in this game.

"The main thing I'm looking forward to is playing alongside superstars of the competition that I may not get to play with if it wasn't for this opportunity.

"I can't wait to go out there and rub shoulders with some of those younger players."

Walters was unavailable for selection for the All-Stars in the game a decade ago due to being injured.

It will be the Dockers star's 17th year in the AFL system as he enters the final season of his contract, and he will be eyeing off the 250-game milestone, which is just 11 games away.

Walters averaged a goal per game in an injury interrupted 2024 campaign and was often utilised as the club's medical substitute.

He produced a season-best four-goal performance in the club's win over Melbourne in Round 19.