His work off the ball was crucial, highlighted by repeated efforts, often running up the floor with long and growing leads.
His physicality and ability to work over defenders is an asset, which Tyler Young now knows all too well.
He turned the game around in the second term with three goals as West Coast racked up eight goals in one term, marking their highest first-half tally since 2021.
If Waterman's work ethic reflects his hunger to impact the competition, he will forge a very useful career.
His 89th start in blue and gold was by far his most memorable.
Making his performance even more remarkable was his serious health scare last year, which threatened to end his career.
Longshoremen return home directly
For the second week in a row, the Dockers held a lead into the final quarter, before failing to ice the game, leading to another heartbreaking narrow defeat and a return to WA with nothing to show for good performances against the four top contenders Port Adelaide. and Carlton.
The Dockers' Sam Switkowski is tackled by the Power's Kane Farrell.Credit: AFL photos
Although their defense was brilliant and ranked first in the competition, their inability to transfer their dominance of the game to the scoreboard proved to be a problem.
His rating of 9.9 (63) in the two games of the last fortnight was the lowest this year.
loading
Josh Treacy was superb in the second quarter on Saturday night, hitting three majors.
But despite doubling Port's inside 50 (21-10) and clearances (12-6) and winning all four center square clearances, all Fremantle had to show was a one-goal lead.
Bailey Banfield would have loved his two shots on goal in the last quarter again, both of which were pushed wide.
Ruckman Sean Darcy's return for Saturday's Western Derby will bring forward Luke Jackson, hoping to increase Fremantle's firepower.
Matt Taberner was largely ineffective at the weekend, kicking three touchdowns, while the potential inclusion of Michael Frederick against the Eagles will bring much-welcomed speed and flair.
The Dockers were doing very well for so long, but despite sitting seventh on the ladder with a 3-2 win-loss record, they will feel they should be at least four points better.
Get the day's breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our evening edition newsletter.
