Much-loved Fremantle great Michael Walters has told teammates and staff he is retiring from the AFL.

Fans were devastated after the Dockers went public with the news, the club revealing 34-year-old would immediately end his career and no farewell game was plan.

Walters has not featured for the Dockers this year, but strangely his last game on an AFL stage was when he captained the Indigenous All Stars to a win over Fremantle in February.

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Walters, also known as Sonny or Son Son, has played 239 games for Fremantle and has led his club’s goalkicking in five seasons.

He retires as a Dockers legend, having been drafted with pick 53 in 2008, going on to kick 365, and earning an All-Australian blazer in 2019.

“I have been working my backside off to try and get back to play some form of footy, and while mentally I am still committed, unfortunately my body wouldn’t allow me to continue playing,” Walters said.

“I never left a stone unturned, I tried to return and play again at the top level, and it just didn’t work out.”

7NEWS reporter Ryan Daniels said “a lingering knee issue made the decision for him”.

“But as pick 53 in the 2008 draft, Son Son was a steal ... All-Australian in 2019, and five-time club leading goalkicker, seventh all-time games played for Freo.”

This year was Walter’s 17th season at the Dockers and fans could not believe it was the end.

Aussie TV legend Rove McManus was one of several Freo fans to express their disappointment.

“Such a legend, such a superstar, such a beacon for this club. Thank you for it all Son Son,” Rove (the cousin of former Docker Shaun McManus) said on social media.

“The clubs greatest ever small forward, absolutely gutted,” another fan said.

And another: “Day ruined.”

And another: “You bleed purple Sonny and always will. Thank you does not express my respect for you and what you have done for our club and for the community in general. I hope in time you return to work within the club as you have so much to offer.”

And another: “This can’t be happening! Thanks Sonny for being everything you’ve been both on and off the oval. Will miss your leadership and spirit.”

And another: “Very sad day 😭😭.”

Only Hall of Famer Matthew Pavlich has more goals than Walters, while he sits seventh for games played, one behind Nat Fyfe and is the club’s all-time Indigenous games record holder.

He was also part of the 2013 grand final side, kicking two goals in a losing effort.

“Sonny has inspired a generation over his career, not just as a football, but a leader, a mentor and a cultural custodian,” Dockers footy boss Joe Brierty said.

“He had the ability to lift those around him, from young teammates to kids in the community, it was something powerful to see firsthand.

“He’s played with X-factor, courage, and heart, but he would also lead with deep cultural pride and responsibility, never forgetting where he’s come from and who he represents.”

Walters — who was drafted after just two league games for Swan Districts — famously grew up on Bushby Street, the same Midvale patch as West Coast great Nic Naitanui and former Carlton star Chris Yarran.

He thanked his family for playing a big part in his “entire footy career”.

“Firstly, starting with my Mum, Dad and brother. I still remember waking up for junior footy and my mum had packed my gear and was ready to go with a warm bowl of porridge,” he said.

“My Dad, who was my first idol, gave me my passion for footy and has given me feedback on all my games, including right up to my last one this year.

“I’ve always looked up to my brother and he has always taken care of me and has always been in my corner throughout my entire life.

“While my wife, Marnie, has ridden the bumps with me. We talk about purpose in life and football, and she gave me a purpose, along with my kids as well.”