Retired Fremantle champion Michael Walters has secured a role within the performance pathways and development arm of WA Football following his AFL career.
The 34-year-old has been appointed as the Indigenous and multicultural relationship manager, with the AFL assisting in the process to have Walters join the team.
Walters, who will officially begin the role in January, joins WA Football after 17 seasons with Fremantle, tallying 239 games and 35 goals.
He would lead the Dockers' goalkicking in five separate seasons, as well as being selected in the All-Australian team in 2019.
During his career, Walters emerged as a role model for Indigenous players coming through the system across the country, with his standing recognised with captaincy of the Indigenous All Stars earlier this year.
"I'm really looking forward to getting started and helping out WA footy and the talented players where I can from a support aspect, making sure we leave no stone left unturned from the day you step into the program to the day you step out of the program," Walters said in a statement.
"I'm keen to play an important role in guiding more Indigenous and multicultural men and women to play the game that they love at a higher level, while enjoying their own individual journeys with them on-field but more importantly off-field."
Walters' role with WA Football will see the Dockers great work to support Indigenous and multicultural players and their families, as well as connecting with their communities.
WA Football's performance pathways and development boss Peter Bell lauded the appointment of Walters and his impact on the game.
"It is incredibly exciting to introduce Michael into our WA Talent Pathways,” Bell said.
"For all of our young athletes to have access to Michael and to learn from his experiences will leave a lasting impact on each athlete and will positively impact many within the WA Football landscape.
"We are extremely grateful for the AFL to have provided funding support for Michael's role."
