Thanks Watto

It is with sadness that after two years with the East Fremantle Football Club, Matthew Watson has decided to return home to Melbourne.

A loyal servant for the Sharks, Watson’s durability has been a key asset, not missing a game in his time with the club.

After finding his feet during his first year at Shark Park, 2017 was an outstanding season for the 25-year old, one that saw him finish second in the Lynn Medal Count. With injuries plaguing our side, Watson certainly stepped up this year playing a versatile role throughout the ground, mainly as a ruck / key forward.  Watson kicked more goals than any other Shark and finished 6^th for total contested marks in the competition.  Despite not being a genuine ruck, he finished 12^th in the competition for hit-outs and 11^th for those to advantage. He also ranked 1^st for inside 50s for the Sharks.

Watson joined the Sharks after being delisted by Carlton in 2015. He played 23 AFL games for the Blues in four years. Having worked with senior coach Rob Wiley during that time, he made the move to the Perth on a two-year contract.

A return to Melbourne was always on the table at some stage. Whilst he would have loved to stay at the Club, a job opportunity that was too good for Watson to turn down sees him head home where he will play for his club of origin.

When meeting with club officials on Thursday, and confirmed by his Facebook post a short time later, Watson thanked everyone at the Club for their support and for making him feel so welcome.  He thoroughly enjoyed his time and considers himself a part of the “Shark Family.”

The East Fremantle Football Club would also like to thank Watson for his dedication and passion to the club and wish him all the best in his move home.