WAFL great and Australian Football Hall of Famer Stephen Michael feels 'humbled' to join the company of icons and pioneers of the game as the Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree for 2025.
Michael, born in Wagin and growing up in the WA wheatbelt town of Kojonup, plied his trade as a champion ruckman for South Fremantle in the 1970s and 80s.
Across a 10-year, 243-match career is was a two-time Sandover Medal winner, premiership player and All Australian captain - even without ever crossing to Victoria.
The Noongar man was announced as honouree to the AFL's marquee celebration of First Nations players and culture ahead of the weekend's return of the Indigenous All Stars in Perth on Tuesday.
"I'm extremely proud to be named as honouree, Sir Doug Nicholls was a pioneer for Indigenous football and to be recognised for the round named in his honour, and alongside some of the previous honourees, is extremely humbling," Michael said.
Michael follows fellow WAFL stars Graham 'Polly' Famer and Bill Dempsey, VFL/AFL greats Syd Jackson, Michael Long and umpire Glenn James, and SANFL champion Sonny Morey as honourees since its adoption to Sir Doug Nicholls round in 2018.
A 17-time representative for Western Australia, Michael displayed his talents to opposition and fans further east in State of Origin football, where he earned both game and series best player awards.
He was named captain of the 1983 All Australian team.
Despite playing in the ruck, Michael also booted 200-plus goals across his career, at an enviable return rate.
"Stephen was a remarkable player and person both on and off the field, having a significant impact of football in Western Australia," AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said.
"Sir Doug Nicholls Round is always a highlight on the football calendar and brings the industry together to celebrate and recognise the continued impact that First Nations people have on the great game of football in Australia from community football right through to the elite game."
League executive general manager of social inclusion and policy Tanya Hosch added it was apt to announce the honour in WA, and at South Fremantle footy club "where Stephen played his illustrious career, ahead of the Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars match in Perth on Saturday".
"It is a fitting celebration of football and Indigenous culture in Western Australia and around the country," Hosch said.
Since retirement, and in addition to the AFL's hall of fame, Michael has been inducted into Fremantle's Hall of Legends, the WA Football Hall of Fame as a legend and City of Fremantle Sporting Hall of Fame.
In his namesake, the Stephen Michael Foundation supports WA youth with a range of community & school-based programs.
