The AFL has today confirmed the final position on the West Coast Eagles list will be filled by exciting half-back Francis Watson, another category B rookie through the recently-formed next generation academy system.
The 21-year-old defender follows Tarir Bayok, an explosive midfielder of Sudanese heritage, as a rookie to be listed under the new initiative.
Watson, a rebounding defender from Balgo in the Kimberley, did not automatically qualify as a West Coast player due to his age.
He was nominated by the AFL as a category B rookie and the Eagles made a successful play for his services.
A third-year apprentice diesel mechanic, Watson is rangy, skilful and an outstanding intercept mark.
He has shown his wares in 19 senior games at Claremont and rounds out an exciting class of 2016 who will be pushing to win senior opportunities in 2017.
