• Michael Walters before the start of the 2014 AFL semi final. He kicked three goals. Photo by Les Everett

It was the third quarter of the 2013 AFL Grand Final. Michael Walters had kicked his second goal and Hawthorn’s half-time lead of 23 points had been cut to three.

I was, unusually, loud in my support. “Brilliant Son Son. You can do this Son Son,”  or something as profound as that. Maybe I said Son Son a few more times too. A woman seated in front of me turned around. “Is he your son?” she asked. I hesitated for a moment knowing what the best answer would be. Instead I said, “No, Son Son is his nickname.”

There’s sadness among Freo supporters over the retirement of Michael Walters just when the team is looking like a finals contender. What’s really sad is that he didn’t play in more finals. Not many small forwards have a record like his. Walters played in 13 finals and scored at a least a goal in every one of them – he kicked three goals seven times for a total of 30 at an average of 2.3 a game.

• Swan Districts colt 2008. Photo by Les Everett

Walters first came under general notice as part of the incredible Swan Districts colts team of 2007 that included, among others, Alex Rance, Nic Naitanui, Clancee Pearce, Lewis Jetta, Neville Jetta, Jeff Garlett, Chris Yarran and the also recently retired WAFL legend Tony Notte. They won the premiership obviously and Walters was also part of the 2008 flag winning team. I liked the idea of him in purple and made sure I got a snap at Fremantle Oval in 2008 when the colts game followed the league.

• Swan Districts premiership player 2010. Photo by Les Everett

Also worth noting is that Walters was a part of the famous 2010 WAFL Grand Final dominated by the late Andrew Krakouer. The Freo-listed Walters kicked a goal and set up others in a vital contribution.

Perhaps the greatest compliment Freo fans can pay to Michael Walters is the sense of calm we felt when the ball was in his hands. Some of his passes seemed to go straight through packs of players on the way to their destination.

And the kicking for goal? Well he just followed his dad’s advice – run in straight, follow through straight. 

Thanks Son Son.