Francis Watson (footballer)

Francis Watson (born 5 September 1995) is a professional Australian rules footballer who played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Francis Watson
Watson in July 2019
Personal information
Full name Francis Watson
Nickname(s) Frankie
Date of birth (1995-09-05) 5 September 1995
Original team(s) Claremont (WAFL)
Height 187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight 81 kg (179 lb)
Position(s) Defender
Club information
Current club West Coast
Number 26
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2017-2020 West Coast 2 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2020.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Early life

Watson grew up in the small East Kimberley community of Balgo, Western Australia. Watson started off at Claremont and played in the Colts WAFL premiership side in 2013. He made his West Australian Football League debut for Claremont in 2015, and played 19 senior games for Claremont over the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Due to his Indigenous background, the Fremantle Dockers sought permission to register him in the club's Next Generation Academy, but the application was rejected by the Australian Football League on the ground that he had not resided in the Kimberley during the relevant period.[1] Watson was then eligible to sign with any club as a "Category B" rookie, and joined West Coast in November 2016.[2]

AFL career

Nearly three years after joining West Coast, Watson made his AFL debut as a late inclusion in their 13-point victory over Melbourne in round 18 of the 2019 AFL season. He came in at the expense of premiership captain Shannon Hurn with a calf injury moments before the game.[3] Watson was delisted at the conclusion of the 2020 AFL season after just two games for the club.[4]

References
  1. AFL rejects Freo’s bid to snare rookie Watson
  2. Watson rounds off list
  3. Shannon Hurn's late withdrawal paves way for West Coast Eagles debutant Francis Watson
  4. Stocks, Gary (21 October 2020). "West Coast Eagles confirm list changes". West Coast Eagles Media. Retrieved 21 October 2020.


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