The West Coast Eagles will have two sons-of-a-gun playing in blue and gold next season, with Alec Waterman returning to the nest to join the WAFL Eagles.

Waterman is the latest key signing for the club’s state league team following 102-gamer Jackson Nelson’s decision to remain an Eagle with the WAFL side.

The son of dual premiership star Chris and brother of current AFL forward Jake, Waterman is back at West Coast after a two-season stint at Essendon.

The 26-year-old was originally drafted by the Eagles as a father-son midfield prospect via pick 76 back in 2014, but battled glandular fever during his two years on the list and was unable to play a senior game.

He rejuvenated his career at Claremont as a forward before receiving an opportunity at the Bombers, where he kicked 27 goals in 22 games.

Waterman was excited by the opportunity with the WAFL Eagles under the guidance of coach Rob Wiley, who previously coached him in a successful WA under-16s team at the national championships.

“I had a few conversations with the club and through management about the opportunities that are still there to potentially play AFL and for me, personally, there’s things I want to explore off-field,” Waterman said.

“There’s also the opportunity to play with some mates in the WAFL side if the AFL dream isn’t reached. The family link is another little part of it.

“All of them put together, I thought it was pretty cool to come back and have a bit of fun and potentially make something of it.

“I’d love to help develop the young players. If they can take a bit of advice from me up into the seniors that’s great.”

West Coast Eagles General Manager – Football, Gavin Bell, was thrilled Waterman will return to the club where his family is inextricably linked and add his experience to the WAFL Eagles.

“The Waterman family are part of the fabric of the West Coast Eagles and we are delighted to welcome Alec back to the club,” Bell said.

“Not only is Alec a great character but he is a classy and accomplished footballer who will add plenty to our squad on the field, but also off-field with his leadership and experience around our developing players next season.

“The ability for us to bring in Alec and Jackson, on top of an exciting draft for the club last week, has been a huge positive and we are looking forward to 2023.”