The hard-working forward took another step in 2022, playing his most games in a season (20, including two as medi-sub) and kicking a personal best 18 goals.

Waterman battled a right knee injury in the second half of the season but pushed through for the team before eventually succumbing ahead of the final round and missing the trip to Geelong.

The son-of-a-gun was a more than handy contributor as the Eagles’ football improved following the mid-season bye, kicking 13 majors and averaging better than five marks per game.

Waterman's positive finish to the year saw him climb the John Worsfold Medal leaderboard late and he ultimately only missed his first top 10 finish by four votes. 

Now has 73 matches under his belt and aged 24 is heading towards the prime years of his career in the coming seasons.

Standout performance: Doing it for Dad

Growing up around West Coast’s 1992 premiership heroes – not to mention his two-time premiership-winning father Chris – it should have come as no surprise that Waterman was at his best as the Eagles marked 30 years since their groundbreaking flag against Geelong in round 14.

Following an admittedly up-and-down opening half of the year, Waterman helped kick-start the Eagles with a strong first half and finished with two goals, eight marks, a team-high three score assists and season-best 16 disposals.

West Coast fell 18 points short against the eventual premiers but Waterman was among a number of Eagles who could hold their heads high.

Season averages

Disposals – 9.3

Marks – 4.9

Score involvements – 3.5

Inside 50s – 1.5

Goals - 0.9