It was just a pre-season game, but Fremantle rookie Tobe Watson loved every second after pulling the Freo jumper on for the first time against Carlton last Saturday.

The 190cm defender embraced his first taste of AFL footy, and has been rewarded again with selection for Freo’s second Marsh Community Series clash against West Coast this Saturday at HBF Arena.

With five marks and 13 disposals against the Blues, Watson shone as he bolstered a backline that is missing key backs Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling.

“I really enjoyed it, it was such a great day,” Watson said.

“Just hearing JL (Justin Longmuir) tell me that I was going to play was a massive moment for me.

“Pulling on the purple for the first time was amazing. Having the family there as well, it was just a great day that I’ll never forget. 

The 22-year-old praised the communication of his fellow backmen against the Blues and expects a big challenge against the Eagles. 

“We all worked really well together. The voices were up all day and we’re sure Carlton left the ground thinking that the back six was really loud and always talking.

“Obviously West Coast have a really skilful forwardline as well with a few boys that are really quick and they’ve got the talls in Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.

“We’ll work out a way to combat that and I’m sure we’ll give it our best for this weekend.” 

Even prior to joining Freo, Watson had already built a close connection with one of his fellow defenders in Griffin Logue, with the pair playing together at Guildford Grammar and Swan Districts.

“That connection has been there for a long time, playing with Griffin at school from 2014 to 2015 and then a little bit at Swans Colts,” Watson said.

“I love playing with Griffin, I’ve always enjoyed it and he’s a great player as well so hopefully, we can just bounce off each other while we’re out there.”