Nic Watson: Colts to Seniors

Nic Watson is one of eleven Sharks who made the transition from colts to senior football over the summer.

The 197cm former Colts Captain had a solid season last year, averaging 25 hit outs to finish equal second in the Len Anderson Medal (colts best and fairest). His performance also earned him a spot in the 2018 WAFL Colts Team of the Year.

“The transition into the senior squad has been smooth this pre-season with the creation of the ‘development squad’ lead by Larry Cavallo and the other coaches looking after the boys moving up,” Watson said.

“There is an obvious gap between colts and senior footy; the bigger bodies, sharper skills and quicker ball movement mean you constantly need to be switched on.”

Having made his league debut last year, Watson said there hasn’t been many surprises transitioning into the senior squad, although the pre-season has been a lot more challenging.

“The intensity of training this pre-season is very high compared to when I trained with the senior boys last year. Everyone is fighting for their place in the league team, with no one taking their position for granted, and this is creating a good culture of ‘training to win’,” Watson said.

“With new coaching staff providing a fresh perspective, I am also developing a deeper understanding of the game.”

“Something I have learnt is that you need to take on constructive criticism given to you by coaches and other players, realising that at the end of the day they just want you to improve.”

Amongst the group is Len Anderson Medallist, Corey Robinson; Cameron Davidson and Milan Murdock who had a taste of senior football last year. Dillon O’Reilly, 2017 Colts leading goal kicker, has also been training well in his new backline role.

“Personally, my goals for 2019 are to develop in the ruck as well as improving my footy in the forward line and hopefully push for league selection,” Watson said.

“There are also goals within the club to improve as a whole from last year and get a few wins on the board.”

Watson, along with the other Colts boys of 2018 have all progressed well in to senior training, which is a very encouraging sign for the future of the East Fremantle Football Club.  

Joining our seniors:

Cameron Davidson

Tom Monaghan

Milan Murdock

Max Murphy

Dillon O’Reilly

Josh Ritchie

Corey Robinson

Cody Smith

Brynn Teakle

Nic Watson

Zach Wilkinson