Francis Watson Biography

West Coast delists Hamish Brayshaw, Nic Reid, Francis Watson, as well as rookies Anthony Treacy and Mitch O'Neill.

"It is obviously a difficult time of the year and on behalf of the club I would like to thank each of those players for their contributions," West Coast list manager Darren Glass said.

"They have all had an impact around the playing group and we wish them well for the future."

Francis Watson makes his AFL debut for West Coast with 14 disposals (11 kicks and 3 handballs), 8 marks and 2 tackles in a 13-point win over Melbourne.

Francis Watson is upgraded to the Eagles' category A rookie list for 2018.

The 22-year-old was outstanding for the Royals in 2017, averaging 27 disposals and five tackles as a rebounding defender before being cut down by an ankle injury.

Watson, who was a category B rookie this year, played nine games upon his return from injury but struggled to have the same impact, fading out of calculations for a maiden call-up.

West Coast recruits half-back Francis Watson as a category B rookie through the recently-formed next generation academy system.