Jake Waterman: From Footy Bloodlines to Breakout Star
Every once in a while, a player comes along who seems destined for the game. Not just because they’re good—but because it’s in their DNA. Jake Waterman is one of those players.
Born into a proud football family in Perth, Western Australia, Jake has grown up surrounded by footy stories, locker room talk, and the roar of the crowd. But what sets him apart isn’t just the name on his back—it’s the way he’s made a name for himself, carving out his own legacy at the West Coast Eagles.
And if you followed the 2024 AFL season? You know just how far he’s come.
A Family Legacy—and a Fresh Start
If the name Waterman sounds familiar, that’s no coincidence. Jake is the son of Chris Waterman, a dual-premiership defender who played a key role in the Eagles’ golden years during the 1990s. His older brother Alec also had a stint in the AFL.
So yes, football runs in the family—but Jake’s journey hasn’t been handed to him. It’s been earned.
From his junior days at Marist Football Club to his early years developing with the Eagles, Jake’s always had that mix of work ethic and raw talent that made coaches and fans take notice. He wasn’t just a “father-son pick.” He was a player in his own right.
Cracking Into the Big League
Jake officially joined the West Coast Eagles as pick No. 77 in the 2016 national draft under the father-son rule. While late picks often fly under the radar, Jake didn’t stay quiet for long.
He made his AFL debut in Round 1 of the 2018 season, and by Round 6, he was already turning heads. After a standout performance against the Western Bulldogs—14 disposals, 5 marks, and 2 goals—he snagged an AFL Rising Star nomination.
That moment signaled something special. Jake wasn’t just here to follow in footsteps—he was here to make his own mark.
2024: The Breakout Year
Fast forward to 2024, and Jake Waterman officially arrived.
In what would become his breakout season, Jake kicked a career-high six goals in Round 5, including a dominant performance against Fremantle in the Western Derby. Week after week, he stepped up when the team needed him, finishing the season with a personal best of 53 goals in 20 games.
He wasn’t just putting up numbers—he was becoming the kind of forward that defenders dread and teammates trust. Strong in the air, sharp around goal, and cool under pressure, Jake emerged as a genuine star.
He finished 5th in the Coleman Medal race, earned a spot in the 2024 All-Australian team, and placed 3rd in the Eagles’ Best & Fairest count. For fans, it felt like the turning point. For Jake, it was the payoff for years of persistence.
Resilience Behind the Scenes
What makes Jake’s story even more powerful is what most people didn’t see.
In 2023, Jake was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition that affects the digestive system and can severely impact energy and physical performance. For a professional athlete, it was a curveball no one saw coming.
There were hard days—hospital visits, setbacks, moments of doubt. But Jake tackled the challenge head-on. With treatment, support, and sheer determination, he not only got back to full fitness—he came back better than ever.
His 2024 season wasn’t just impressive—it was inspiring.
Locked In for the Long Haul
After such a massive year, the Eagles knew what they had to do: lock him in.
In October 2024, Jake re-signed with West Coast in a deal that runs through the end of the 2029 season. According to reports, the contract is worth close to $1 million per season, a reflection of both his talent and leadership potential.
Jake didn’t hide his excitement.
“It’s an honour to sign a long-term contract at a great club like West Coast,” he shared. “This club has been part of my life since I was a kid, and to be able to help shape its future—it’s something I don’t take for granted.”
With veteran forward Jack Darling moving to North Melbourne, Jake is stepping into a senior leadership role up front, forming a formidable duo with Oscar Allen. The next generation is here—and Jake’s at the heart of it.
What Makes Jake So Good?
It’s not just the numbers or the highlight reels. Jake Waterman is the kind of player who’s versatile, intelligent, and relentless.
At 191 cm and 92 kg, he’s built to take on key defensive matchups—but he’s also mobile and crafty enough to play high up the ground. His overhead marking is elite, and his ability to read the game makes him a constant threat inside 50.
More importantly, he brings energy. That spark. That hustle. He’s the guy who chases down loose balls, pressures defenders, and celebrates every teammate’s goal like it’s his own.
More Than Just a Footballer
Away from the field, Jake has become a fan favorite—not just for his on-field efforts, but for the way he connects with the community.
Whether it’s school visits, youth clinics, or local charity events, Jake consistently shows up. Growing up around the club gave him a deep appreciation for the culture and the fans. Now, he’s paying that forward.
He’s also a voice for health awareness, speaking openly about his experience with ulcerative colitis and encouraging others to take their wellbeing seriously.
What’s Next?
At 27, Jake Waterman is hitting his prime. And with a long-term deal, a new leadership role, and momentum from his best season yet, the future looks bright.
He’s not just “Chris Waterman’s son” anymore. He’s Jake Waterman—goal-kicker, fighter, leader, and a key pillar of the West Coast Eagles’ rebuild.
As the Eagles look to rise again in the coming years, you can bet Jake will be right in the thick of it, leading from the front.
