Bolton to inherit Walters’ iconic No. 10 as Indigenous players reveal new numbers

Jackson Clark Published December 12, 2025 at 4.55pm (AWST)

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Fremantle star Shai Bolton will inherit Michael Walters' No. 10 jumper. (Image: Fremantle Football Club)

Indigenous players across the AFL have been unveiled in new guernsey numbers ahead of the 2026 season.

One of the most significant number changes comes at Fremantle, where Shai Bolton will take on the famous number 10 jumper - a guernsey made iconic by close friend and club champion Michael Walters.

Bolton wore the #15 jumper during his first season in purple but has now accepted the number previously worn by Walters throughout his illustrious career.

Walters called time on his Fremantle journey at the end of the 2025 season having played 239 games and kicked 365 goals.

Speaking to Fremantle's official website, Walters said handing the number to Bolton held deep personal meaning.

"It's such a proud moment for me to hand over my old number to someone of Shai's ilk," Walters said.

"He's a human highlight reel, he puts bums on seats, and I can't wait to be one of them at Optus Stadium enjoying the number 10 running around for many, many more years to come.

"It's going to be an honour and a privilege to see it out there ageing."

Fremantle also announced numbers for two exciting young Indigenous talents, with first-year midfielder Leon Kickett handed the number 19 jumper, while Next Generation Academy product Ryda Luke will wear number 40 as he begins his AFL journey.

At Adelaide Crows, star recruit Callum Ah Chee will retain the number 4 guernsey he wore at the Brisbane Lions as he writes the next chapter of his career in South Australia.

*Callum Ah Chee has began training with the Adelaide Crows. (Image: Adelaide Football Club)*

Ah Chee's leadership and versatility were a major drawcard for the Crows, who see him as a key part of their future plans.

Over at Carlton, young forward-midfielder Jack Ison will pull on the number 30 jumper, a number vacated by departing spearhead Charlie Curnow.

The move signals a significant boost of confidence in Ison as he looks to carve out his own identity at Ikon Park.

Former Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will wear the number 9 guernsey at his new club the Gold Coast Suns as he looks to relaunch his career in Queensland.

The highly-talented key forward remains one of the most exciting Indigenous prospects in the competition, and the fresh start offers a chance to rediscover his best football.

At Melbourne, new recruit Latrell Pickett will take on the number 33 jumper - one steeped in rich Indigenous history at the club.

The number was famously worn by club icon Jeff Farmer during his time in the red and blue, while Norm Smith Medallist Byron Pickett also donned the number after crossing from Port Adelaide.

Territorians Austin Wonaeamirri and Dom Barry have also proudly worn 33 at the Demons.

In Sydney, dynamic forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr has been allocated the number 10 jumper at the Swans, while at West Coast, emerging talent Tylah Williams will wear the number 36 guernsey as he enters the AFL system.