In one of the feel-good stories of 2024, Waterman bounced back from a serious illness in stunning fashion to make his mark on the competition in his eighth season. The son-of-a-gun has always had plenty of talent but played a variety of roles to find a spot in the team around generational talls Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen for much of his career. However, a knee injury suffered by Allen after round one handed Waterman the opportunity to lead the attack last season, and he relished the role, leading West Coast’s goalkicking for the first time with 53 majors and receiving his well-deserved maiden All-Australian selection. The mobile 191cm forward also earned the first podium placing in the John Worsfold Medal of his career, and will be determined to build on his form in 2025 and beyond to help drive the Eagles back up the ladder.
At a glance: Junior Clubs: Marist (WA). Debut: Round 1, 2018. Recruited from: Claremont (WA). Brownlow votes: 9.
