GAMES 
Season 2014: 3
Career:  20

GOALS 
Season 2014: 4
Career: 6

KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 41 (13.7) Contested Possessions: 20 (6.7) Marks: 10 (3.3)

OVERVIEW
Season 2014 proved to be a frustrating year for Matthew Watson. The 22-year-old played a total of three senior games for the season, compared to the five he played in 2013. 

However after reinventing himself as a forward in the VFL, which included booting six goals over two weeks for the Northern Blues, Carlton coach Mick Malthouse thought it was time to see if Watson could do the same at AFL level. 

The No.10 was recalled for Carlton’s Round 23 clash with Essendon and the move paid off – Watson finished the game with 16 disposals and four goals. 

HE SAID IT
“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.”

 - Matthew Watson speaking after Carlton’s Round 23 draw with Essendon. 

THEY SAID IT
“I think Watto needs to look at that game over and over and say why hasn’t this happened before because there is no one more self doubting that him.”

 - Mick Malthouse speaking after Carlton’s Round 23 draw with Essendon. 

SEASON HIGHLIGHT
Matthew Watson was nominated for the AFL’s Goal of the Year for his goal from the boundary in Carlton’s Round 23 draw with Essendon. It came after Ed Curnow picked up the lost ball inside Carlton’s 50m mark, before hand-balling to Watson who kicked a goal from a tight angle. The Blues’ No. 10 went on to finish the match with a four-goal haul.