Matthew Watson Biography

Carlton delist four players including Matthew Watson and Cameron Giles as well as rookies Blaine Johnson and Fraser Russell.

“Each of these players has made a contribution to our football club and I would like to thank them for their hard work over the journey,” Blues football operations manager Andrew McKay said.

Matthew Watson admits he thought his AFL career might have been over at times during a difficult 2014 season.

"At times last year I thought maybe [my career] might be finishing up because I was playing VFL still and it was my fourth year," Watson said.

"I just didn't take the opportunity that night, which was frustrating, and I just didn't feel I had taken my game to the next level consistently.

"At that stage my confidence was down and I wasn't sure how I was going to turn things around."

Watson says a move to the forward lines late in the season may have resurrected his career.

"The move forward kind of gave me a fresh start and I was able to start enjoying my footy again," Watson said.

"Especially in the first couple of games you've pretty much got nothing to lose, you go in there, you haven't played forward for a while, and you're happy just to take your mind off everything and just go out and play footy.

"It was good to finish the year off with a bit of confidence, to know that I can play at senior level and contribute to the team.

Matthew Watson says his four goals in Carlton's draw against Essendon on Saturday has given him the belief he belongs at AFL level.

The 22-year-old was recalled to the Blues' side for the first time since his disastrous night out against Hawthorn in round 13 this season when he was subbed out after gifting the Hawks two early goals.

"I've been fortunate enough to get a game before the end of the year so hopefully I can carry that into next year," Watson said.

"It will do a lot. I know I can play at this level. It was good to play a full game and fight it out to the end.

"The last [senior] game I played didn't pan out as I wanted it to and that kind of dropped my confidence a bit.

"I think playing in the VFL grew my confidence playing forward and I was able to bring what I've done into the AFL.

"I know I've still got improvement to come so hopefully I can work on that in the pre-season and play more next year in the forward line."

After showing promise in 2013, Matthew Watson hopes to solidify his place in Carlton's defence in 2014.

"I built some confidence, played a few good games and even the coach said, 'You're starting to improve.' Hopefully I can carry that into the start of this season," Watson said.

"I see it as a challenge. I was brought into the club to hold down a key position and hopefully this year I can show them what they drafted me for. I just want to repay the faith they've shown in me."

Matthew Watson signs a new deal with the Blues that will keep him at the club until the end of 2015.

Matthew Watson will miss the rest of the season after fracturing his left foot when his kicking attempt was smothered by the leg of Bulldogs forward Jarrad Grant during their clash in the second quarter.

Watson played on briefly in obvious discomfort before spending the rest of the match on the bench.

"I went for a kick and I followed through and hit one of the Bulldogs players in his foot or his shin," Watson said.

"The doc thought it was ligament damage, got a few scans and it showed a hairline fracture at the top of my foot.

"I'll be in a (moon) boot for the next three to four weeks and then I'll be back for pre-season."

Matthew Watson makes his AFL debut for Carlton at the Gabba with 18 disposals (11 kicks and 7 handballs), 2 marks and a tackle in a 119-point win over Gold Coast.