Declan Watson
17/9/98, 194cm, 80kg
Aspley
Key defender

From AFL.com.au

The tall key defender looked assured during the division two NAB Under-18 AFL Championships, performing shut-down roles for Queensland on the opposition's best forwards. Also averaged 15.5 possessions for the Allies in division one.

The Aspley Hornets product is a very strong mark, reads the play well and throws himself into every contest. Nominated by the Brisbane Lions as an Academy selection.

From AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan

“He’s a talent … Love the way he reads the play."

From AFL Queensland Talent Manager Adrian Fletcher

"He's a defender who can read the play. He takes marks by reading the ball off the boot quickly and out-positioning his direct opponent. He normally takes 10 marks a game back there and he's very competitive."

From Brisbane Academy Manager Luke Curran

“Since he got back from Christmas break he is starting to understand what is required to be a high level footballer and we are starting to see some real improvement in his training standards and intensity. Hopefully he can continue that and hold down that key defensive role for the state team and be a bit of a leader in the backline as well.”