Profile

Name: Stephen Michael

Sport:  WAFL

Team: South Frematle Football Club

Bio: 

Stephen Michael is a legendary figure in Western Australian football, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have never played in the VFL/AFL. A dominant and athletic ruckman, Michael was known for his incredible skill, leadership, and physical presence on the field.

​

Born in Wagin, Western Australia, Michael played his entire senior career for South Fremantle in the WAFL, where he became a club icon. He made his debut in 1975 and played 243 games for the Bulldogs, captaining the side from 1980 to 1985. His influence was pivotal in leading South Fremantle to the 1980 WAFL premiership, cementing his legacy as one of the greats of WA football.

​

Despite repeated offers from VFL clubs, including a strong push from Geelong, Michael remained loyal to South Fremantle and Western Australian football, further elevating his reputation as a champion of the game.

​

A proud Noongar man, Michael has been a significant role model for Indigenous footballers and continues to have an impact on the game through his contributions to the community and player development programs. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to Indigenous football and culture, he was recently named the honouree for the AFL's Sir Douglas Nicholls Round, a celebration of the profound contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to the game.

His influence on and off the field ensures his name remains among the greats of Australian football history.

​

Honours:

• Two-time Sandover Medal winner (1980, 1981) – awarded to the WAFL's best and fairest player

• Five-time South Fremantle best and fairest (1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1983)

• South Fremantle captain (1980-1985)

• South Fremantle Premiership Player (1980)

• Simpson Medal WA vs SA State of Origin (1983)

• Tassie Medal (1983)

• Inaugural member of the Fremantle Football Hall of Legends (1995)

• Inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame (1999)

• Named in the Indigenous Team of the Century (2005)

• Sir Doug Nicholls Round Honouree (2025)