Elite Eagle reaches 150 games

ONE of the Hatherleigh Netball Club most accomplished and respected players Erin Watson is set to hit the court for the 150th rime as an Eagles this weekend.

The Watson name is one that has become synonymous with the Hatherleigh Football and Netball Club, and Erin has certainly added her own remarkable chapter to that legacy.

From the moment she first stepped onto the court as a young junior, it was clear she possessed something special. Her natural athleticism, determination and love for the game quickly saw her emerge as one of the brightest young talents in the region.

Erin’s junior career was nothing short of extraordinary.

Year after year she consistently performed at the highest level, collecting club and league honours while helping drive her teams to success.

Junior Achievements

2009

• HNC 13 & Under Best & Fairest

• Junior Consistency Award

• Mid South East League 13 & Under Best & Fairest

2010

• HNC 15 & Under Best & Fairest

• HNC Junior Consistency Award

2011

• 15 & Under Best & Fairest

• HNC Junior Consistency Award

• Mid South East 15 & Under Best & Fairest

• Mid South East Junior Consistency Award

• 15 & Under Premiership Player

• Best on Court in the Premiership

2012

• HNC 17 & Under Best & Fairest

• HNC Junior Consistency Award

• Mid South East 17 & Under Runner-Up Best & Fairest

• 17 & Under Premiership Player

2013

• HNC 17 & Under Best & Fairest

• HNC Junior Consistency Award

• Mid South East 17 & Under Best & Fairest

• Mid South East Junior Consistency Award

While still eligible for junior netball, Erin made her A Grade debut in 2012, seamlessly transitioning into senior competition and quickly establishing herself as one of the league’s most influential midcourt players.

A dynamic and influential midcourt player, Erin built a reputation as one of the competition’s elite performers. Her speed and agility through the middle, exceptional game awareness, ability to read the play and deliver clever, precise passes into the goal circle make her a valuable asset to any side.

Equally impressive is her defensive pressure and knack for taking spectacular intercepts at crucial moments.

Erin’s determination and willingness to compete until the final whistle are qualities that have defined her career and her senior honours reflect the impact she has had on the court.

Senior Achievements:2015:

• HNC A Grade Best & Fairest

• Mid South East Best Under 21

• Mid South East Team of the Year

2016:

• HNC A Grade Best & Fairest

• Senior Consistency Award

• Mid South East Best Under 21

Her talent was recognised beyond the Mid South East, earning opportunities to compete at a higher level through Premier League Netball in both 2017 and 2018.

In 2018, Erin suffered a devastating knee injury that sidelined her for three seasons.

However, the resilience, determination and courage she has always displayed on the court carried her through the long rehabilitation process.

Her much-anticipated return to her home club in 2022 was a testament to her character and commitment, earning her A Grade Runner Up Best & Fairest honours in her comeback season, before adding another A Grade Best & Fairest to her impressive résumé in 2025.

Erin has proudly represented the Mid South East Netball Association on numerous occasions:

• 13 & Under – 2010

• 15 & Under – 2011, 2012

• 17 & Under – 2013, 2014

• A Grade – 2015, 2016

As a player, Erin is the complete package.

Predominantly a midcourt player, she combines speed, agility and endurance with exceptional netball intelligence.

Her ability to read the play, create opportunities through the centre third and deliver precise passes into the goal circle makes her an invaluable teammate.

Equally impressive is her defensive pressure, anticipation and ability to take crucial intercepts at key moments of a game.

What truly sets Erin apart, however, is her determination and competitive spirit. She leads by example every time she steps onto the court, never giving up on a contest and always putting the team first.

Away from the court, Erin has been equally passionate about the future of the club, generously passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of Eagles through coaching roles including Under 13 coach in 2015, 2025 and 2026, and Under 17 coach in 2023.

This year, Erin further strengthened her commitment to the club by joining the Hatherleigh Netball Committee, where she currently serves as vice secretary.

Her willingness to contribute both on and off the court is a testament to her dedication to the continued success of Hatherleigh Netball Club.

Her 150 game milestone is a remarkable achievement and one that reflects years of dedication, loyalty, success and service to the Eagles.

Erin’s career has been filled with individual accolades, premiership success, representative honours and countless memorable moments, all while remaining a respected teammate, coach and club person.