AUSTIN Wonaeamirri says he cherishes the time he had at Melbourne and can’t wait to watch his team take on Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday.

Wonaeamirri, who become a fan favourite among the red and blue faithful, notching up 31 matches from 2008-11, was back in Melbourne this week to help launch Melbourne’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

He said it was great to catch-up with some familiar faces.

“It’s good to be back here [in Melbourne] and it’ll be good to be at the ‘G watching the boys play,” he told Melbourne TV.  

“The memories will be there … and hopefully the boys will get up against the Power this weekend.”

Wonaeamirri, who produced some electrifying performances for the Demons, including back-to-back matches against the Brisbane Lions (three goals) and Fremantle (four) in rounds six and seven, 2008, said they were “memories I’ll never forget”.

These days, he is enjoying life back on the Tiwi Islands and playing for the Tiwi Bombers.

“I’m still playing footy. It’s off-season at the moment. I’m at home on the Tiwi Islands with my partner, two kids and step-son as well. Work is going really good. I’m the project works coordinator with the Tiwi Islands regional council,” he said.

“We’re going really good. There is some stuff we’ve got to fix up, but that’s just work, so I’m really, really going well at home.

“I’m just enjoying it at home and I just want to thank the footy club for giving me the opportunity to put on the red and blue jumper on. I’d like to thank the club for that.”

Wonaeamirri said he was also thankful for forming close bonds during his time at Melbourne.

“When I first came down, I was lucky Aaron Davey, Matty Whelan and Isaac Weetra were at the club,” he said.

“Straight away I knew that connection was there. I’d like to thank those guys for helping me along the way, and making me that person I am now.

“With myself and Liam [Jurrah], you need good people around you to help you, but I’d like to thank them and the club for giving me the opportunity.”