**EXCLUSIVE: Michael Walters Stuns as Guest Sports Editor for Sir Doug Nicholls Round**

In a surprise move that kicked off Sir Doug Nicholls Round with both pride and power, Fremantle Dockers legend Michael Walters made headlines off the field — taking up a one-day role as guest Sports Editor for *The West Australian*. Known to fans as “Sonny,” Walters has long been one of the AFL’s most electrifying Indigenous talents, and his appointment to the editorial chair was as symbolic as it was significant.

The four-time premiership great – not on the scoreboard, but in the hearts of his people and his club – used the platform to spotlight stories that matter most to Indigenous athletes and communities. In a special edition of the paper dedicated to Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Walters helped curate content that celebrated culture, resilience, and legacy in Australian football.

The collaboration was kept under wraps until the edition went to print, catching fans and readers by surprise when they saw Walters’ name on the masthead.

“It’s something I never imagined doing,” Walters said. “I’m more used to having journalists write about me than being behind the scenes making the decisions — but to have this opportunity during such an important week, to highlight voices that often go unheard, means a lot to me and my family.”

Walters, 34, has been a mainstay at Fremantle since his debut in 2008, amassing over 200 games and becoming one of the Dockers’ most respected and decorated players. A proud Noongar man, his connection to culture and country has been an ever-present part of his football journey, often speaking out about Indigenous issues and mentoring younger players through the AFL’s Next Generation Academy.

His guest editorial role follows a growing trend of athletes stepping into media to tell stories from an authentic perspective. But Walters’ appearance was more than symbolic — it carried the weight of history and hope, set against the backdrop of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, which celebrates the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the game.

Inside the paper, Walters contributed a personal letter addressed to young Indigenous athletes, encouraging them to “stay strong, stay proud,” and never be afraid to dream beyond the field.

“Whether it’s footy, education, or something like journalism — we need to be visible in these spaces,” he wrote. “Representation matters. And it starts with seeing what’s possible.”

The Dockers veteran also oversaw the selection of several stories, including profiles of rising Indigenous stars, retrospectives on past greats, and a special feature on community footy in remote WA.

While Walters is still an active AFL player and shows no signs of slowing down on the field, his appearance in the editor’s chair hints at a life after football that could include media, advocacy, or even leadership roles within the game’s administration.

For now, Michael Walters remains a living example of what the Sir Doug Nicholls Round represents: pride, purpose, and the power of storytelling.

And this week, he told the story — his way.