Docker Walters dreams of AFL flag in 2017

Fremantle forward Michael Walters says he wants to be a one-club player after re-signing with the Dockers until the end of 2020.

Michael Walters of the Fremantle Dockers

Fremantle forward Michael Walters has signed a two-year contract extension. (AAP)

Fremantle forward Michael Walters is daring to dream of premiership success this year, saying the club is aiming high despite their disastrous 2016 campaign.

The Dockers won just four games last season as their premiership window slammed shut.

Coach Ross Lyon has since declared the club is in rebuilding mode, saying it could take up to four years before the team is back in premiership mode.

But Walters doesn't see any reason why the Dockers can't compete for the flag this year.

Walters is so firm in his belief of the club's bright future that he signed a two-year contract extension on Tuesday, tying him to the Dockers until the end of 2020.

"We actually want to win the premiership this year," Walters said.

"We're not going out there to not win a premiership. We're not going out there just trying to make top four, or even in the eight.

"We want to play finals and ultimately win a grand final.

"If if doesn't happen this year, we're going to come back next year and focus on the same things.

"We haven't done all the training in the pre-season and off-season to just think about four years.

"We want to aim high, try to win this year.

"We understand it might take four years or longer. But on the flip side, it might take two years."

The addition of recruits Brad Hill, Shane Kersten, Cam McCarthy, and Joel Hamling is expected to fast-track Fremantle's rebuild.

And if Harley Bennell can finally overcome his calf issues, the Dockers will be bolstered by an A-class midfielder.

The return from injury of captain Nat Fyfe will give the Dockers a significant boost.

Walters, who wants to end his career as a one-club player, also looms as a key component to Fremantle's finals hopes.

The 26-year-old led Fremantle's goalkicking in 2013, 2015, and 2016, and has also spent more time in the midfield in recent seasons.

Walters' rise was capped last month when he was voted into the club's leadership group for the first time.

It's in stark contrast to 2012 when Walters was banished to the WAFL for below-par fitness standards.

It proved to be the making of him with Walters' determination to provide for his young family spurring him on.

"I had to grow up and mature as a person. It took my family for me to finally see it," Walters said.

"I'm glad the club made that decision back then to send me back, even though at the time I didn't really like it.

"I know it all started to fall back into place once I did get sent back. I haven't really missed a beat since then."

Fremantle will play their final match of the pre-season when they host Carlton at Domain Stadium on Friday night.


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Source: AAP


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