State league football has come calling for the dynamic Bombers midfielder, with the GVL flag winner earning a list spot with West Coast Eagles’ WAFL affiliate.
The news came as no surprise to Bombers’ co-coach Corey Carver, after the eyes of the Victorian branch of the Eagles’ recruiting arm had reportedly been fixed on the 19-year-old on several occasions during the season.
“He obviously had a great year with us and, to be honest, we said all along during the year we're only going to have Archie for a year because of the ability and talent he's got,” Carver said.
“(West Coast) went to Benalla and watched him over there, and he happened to be our best player on that day, so that helped.”
Described by Kyabram Free Press sports luminary Gus Underwood as the best Bomber to rise from the clubs’ junior ranks since former Richmond star Brett Deledio, Watt went a way to delivering on that billing during a season that saw the News May Rising Star clinch the GVL premiership and a senior interleague spot.
He averaged 28 disposals and booted 30 goals for the season, a mix of speed and precision making his 2025 season an “eye-catching” one according to his coach.
“That power and that speed that he's got is eye catching,” Carver said.
“It’s a great opportunity for him and we're rapt for him, so hopefully he goes well.”
Now training with the Eagles’ squad and the avenues to an AFL position now wider than in previous eras, there now exists a chance for Watt to prove himself worthy of a position in the biggest league in the land.
The move West will also see him rub shoulders with several Goulburn Valley exports, including Harley Reid, Jobe Shanahan, Noah Long, and Orien Kerr, who himself played nine games for the Eagles in the WAFL this season.
Watt joins Liam Ogden, Tom Holman, and Nicholas Jephson in departing Kyabram, but the Bombers have seen former premiership stars Aaron Hayes and Rhys Clark make their way back to the club after stints away.
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