Famous footy son honoured
It was a momentous occasion for the Shire of Kojonup when football legend Stephen Michael was welcomed and recognised for his inspiring achievements.
The two-time Sandover medallist, five-time South Fremantle fairest and best and 1983 Simpson medal winner has carved a very strong influence into the West Australian Country Football League and Kojonup's history.
At The Kodja Place last Monday, Michael was honoured with a photo collage highlighting his story and achievements that will be placed in the Cockatoo Cafe.
Playing 212 games for South Fremantle and inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 1999, Michael said his achievements and the reasons he succeeded were because of his parents and family.
He said it was important to always remember where you came from.
"From the really early days what I achieved was through my parents; they are my role models and I had a good following and a lot of support there, so stepping up to the next level wasn't hard," he said.
"You sit and reflect and analyse on things that happened through your life - I had great people around, I was fortunate that I was at a club that wasn't racist, it was multicultural, but it doesn't just happen, you have to work."
The Kodja Place Community Fund chairman William Harvey said the way Michael came up through the ranks was inspirational; he was never injured or suspended but it was the toughest football anyone had ever played.
Growing up in Kojonup with Michael and his family and playing against him in the WAFL, Member for Wagin Terry Waldron said it was very special to have Michael and a lot of his family acknowledged.
"The whole idea at Kodja Place was that it acknowledges the local indigenous Noongar people in Kojonup and Michael is one of their famous sons," he said.
With his family present, alongside sports commentator Jimmy Hull and fellow club members, Michael said it was a thrill and a great honour to be recognised.
