Retiring Sonny Sets

[jesterwester]

A real shame his body didn’t hold up.

But what a career. Wonderful servant of your football club and will deserve every plaudit coming his way. From an opposition view someone that was always present and felt he would always bob up at the right moment.

Been a pleasure watching him and wish him well in his retirement.

 

[Outshined]

****, this is a sad day. It feels like a lifetime ago, but Sonny's 3rd quarter in the 2013 GF is a core footballing memory.

Surely there's a role at the club for him in some capacity.

 

[MadMundy]

Such a sad way to go out but Walters will go down as one of our greatest ever players, one of the best small forwards of his time and was a shining light in our forward line even through some dark periods.

Arguably our best small forward in club history depending if you rank him above Farmer or not, but he's made his mark on this club and will never be forgotten.

Thanks for the memories Sonny, my favourite live memories of him are the mark on the wing in 2015 and the point after the siren in 2019.

Have a career mate

 

[GingerDocker]

Any player that has multiple 25+ disposal 6+ goal games under their belt is a legend whichever way you look at it.

Well done Sonny, into the purple pantheon you go.

 

[Tonga Bob]

Freo’s Favourite Son-Son Calls Time

The Fremantle Football Club today celebrates the extraordinary career and contribution of Michael ‘Son-Son’ Walters, after he announced his AFL retirement

www.fremantlefc.com.au

 

[Alfonz]

What a legend. It's just not fair he can't go out on his terms.

Would have loved to see what he could produce alongside Bolton/Reid/Dudley for at least a few games. I really hope we keep him on at the club to pass on his knowledge.

 

[ImperialPurple]

Shedding a small tear here. What a champion player and an excellent person. He has left an indelible mark on our football club and his reputation as a leader and mentor - especially for the young indigenous boys - will not be forgotten. Go well Son-son. I’m sure there will always be a place at the club for you.
He says he will always be proud to have played with Nat Fyfe - I will always feel privileged to have watched him play.

 

[academicbowl]

One of my all time favourites. Thanks for all the memories. Such a shame he won't get a farewell game, he definitely deserves one

 

[Quazar2]

Legit upset, but unfortunately it ends for your favourites at some point; Mundy, Pav etc.

Would have loved to see both he and Fyfe get that one more crack at it, but alas. Not to be.

I wish nothing but the best for the rest...of his days. Thank you Michael, for everything and congrats on your stellar career

 

[Timmytime]

Thanks Sonny. Watching you play the game you loved was an absolute pleasure.

 

[fleur]

This kick was when I fell in love with Sonny. Go well wonderboy

 

[Docker82]

Article makes it sound like he's done and isnt coming back even if he recovers from this latest injury in time. Real shame.

Still a fantastic career. How he has only one All Australian is beyond a joke btw - almost as bad as McPharlin.

Was really hoping to give him a standing ovation when he came onto the field as sub later in the season but not to be unfortunately.

 

[largebus]

Grew up rough in Midland, went to a public school (how many gun players come from them these days?), not a rated prospect at pick 53, was nearly delisted because of his weight.

To overcome all that and go on to have such a career is one of the great stories in our club's history. Thanks Sonny for showing us what's possible.

 

[freo_leo29]

The greatest finals player in the history of our club too btw

Absolute clutch star who would always turn up for the big games.

 

[mike91]

One of the best to ever pull on our jumper. Legend of the club and the sport itself.

Absolutely loved the way he played the game, unbelievable skills that are still underrated to this day.

Loved watching you Sonny, your skills, especially going inside 50m are massively missed.

His story can inspire so many, and I hope he sticks around in a development role.

 

[StingBitten]

This one hurts, I wear his signed Indigenous Guernsey to every Freo game I attend.

I have a childhood memory of playing a basketball game against him, his brother, Nic Nat and his brother and they absolutely carved us up. He has a tough childhood and overcame incredible adversity to get to where he got to.

One of my first posts on Bigfooty was in early 2012 - advocating for us to keep him when most wanted him gone, Lyon banished him and he nearly signed with Port.

Will never forget that Melbourne away game where he kicked 3 goals, from then on he was a fundamental part of the team. Nothing was more exciting than seeing his magic.

Hope he transitions into youth and community work with his people, it's what he was born to do.

Will miss ya Sonny!

 

[DeadEyeJye]

A sad day indeed, but as they say - Father Time is undefeated. One of the most inspirational players to pull on the purple in my opinion and I hope the club are planning some sort of farewell for him next week.

 

[Grape Bear]

So sad.

So many amazing SonSon memories. At his best, just made magic happen. I still have a soft spot in my heart for him and Ballas as a tandem - on their day, just so hard to stop.

Will miss you, legend.

 

[mike91]

Upsets me he doesn't get a farewell game and that his last game was a practice game, but that's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.

Deserves the best lap of honor, sell the stadium out!

 

[Retzlaff]

Waiting on the tribute text from NicNat

 

[muckypup]

Sonny Walters, a Freo great for sure. A shame he couldn't get to 250. Very best wishes to him for life after playing. Pick 53 what a gem of a player.

 

[fleur]

Sad that he didn’t get to play an AFL game with Shai and Duds. Reckon he was looking forward to that

 

[DocT]

Congrats on an amazing career.
We all know how you needed to shape up early, how you needed to sharpen up your your attitude and listen to your leaders. You did that and then blew everyone away.
Now you have set yourself up to be the best mentor ever. Full respect and wishing you and everyone you bless the very best. And may they all wear purple.
Thanks for everything Sonny.

 

[freo84]

I'll never forget his match winning goals and points in our dark days. Or that goal against Brissy.

One of our finest players and a personal favourite of mine. All the best Son Son. You will be missed

 

[ubiquitous226]

Sonny Walters, a Freo great for sure. A shame he couldn't get to 250. Very best wishes to him for life after playing. Pick 53 what a gem of a player.

Or even 244.

Surely they'll do the lap of honour and big call out for him at either our next home game against the Hawks, or our last one at home against Brisbane.