Waterman name back in AFL at West Coast

The Waterman name has officially returned to West Coast, and the AFL club hope Sumich, Hart, Kemp and Matera will soon follow.

Alec Waterman, the son of dual premiership defender Chris Waterman, will join the Eagles in next month’s national draft after no other AFL club bid for the 18-year-old during Monday’s father-son meetings in Melbourne.

Waterman says it’s a dream come true to be selected by the club he supported as a kid, and he could be joined by some more famous names in the coming years.

The sons of premiership stars Peter Matera, Peter Sumich, David Hart and Dean Kemp are already on West Coast’s radar.

Jordan Matera and Zane Sumich could be drafted as early as next year, while Kye Hart and Sunny Kemp will be available a few years after that.

And Alec’s younger brother Jake Waterman could end up becoming another bargain father-son selection within two years.

“That would be great for the club if three or four or five of them get through,” Chris Waterman said.

“Those names are pretty synonymous with the early years of the club. And it’s great for the boys. They’ve all met each other through camps at the club.

“Alec has kept in touch with Jordy, who lives in Melbourne. So they’ve all become mates and know what their fathers did.

“Hopefully they can all get on the list one day.”

Chris Waterman played 177 games over 11 seasons for West Coast, and was part of their 1992 and ’94 premiership campaigns.

Alec hasn’t seen much vision of his father playing, and the little he has seen was hardly inspiring.

“I did see him kick one out on the full in the grand final, so that was about it,” Alec joked.

“He was more of a run and carry player off the half-back line

“I like to see myself as an in-and-under player, just feeding the ball out. Someone who can just body in and make a physical presence on the game.

“The only similarities we’ve got are the big legs and the left foot.”

Despite the sentiment surrounding father-son selections, it doesn’t always have a happy ending.

Inaugural West Coast father-son selection Jacob Brennan was delisted just last week after 28 games over four years at the club.

“Mum and dad are close to the Brennans, and it’s a sad time,” Alec said.

“If I get the opportunity, I’m just going to give it everything.”

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