A mid-season reality check proved the catalyst for Oliver Watt’s Coates Talent League season.
It was a season of two halves for the Calder Cannon star with a strong second half earning him the club’s top honour, the Robert Hyde Medal.
The Woodend youngest said he had no idea he was in contention for the boys best and fairest award.
“It’s very humbling and a good feeling to get some reward for effort,” he said. “I had no idea.
“I played every game but thought a couple of other boys were deserving of it. I’m happy with it.”
Watt said he was happy with how his season played out.
It was a season of two halves where he started to build some consistency in the back half of the year. It led to stronger outputs and more disposals.
Watt said all changed in a mid-season meeting.
“To be honest I had a meeting with [regional talent operations lead] Seb [Spagnuolo] and the wellbeing coordinator,” he said. “They put it bluntly there was no AFL or VFL interested in me.
“It was hard to hear. I spoke to them about it and focused on some goals for the rest of the year.
“How I could improve my leadership and input to the team, not just focusing on me getting drafted?
“It was the turning point for my season.”
Watt said the Cannons had been massive not only in his football career, but also in helping him develop as a person.
Spagnuolo said Watt was their most consistent performer for the season and had gone from a small forward to midfielder.
The hard words worked with Watt set to do a VFL pre-season with North Melbourne.
Watt said it was pretty exciting to get a call from them and was eager to show what he could do.
He said he’s keen to use it as his way to achieving the dream of making the AFL.
“It’s always still the dream, I’ll have to go down a different route,” he said
“I’m not likely to get drafted as there’s no real interest. Hopefully I get some games there and build some consistency throughout the year.”
Whatever level Watt gets to, he’ll have the Woodend community supporting him.
He said the two clubs, Woodend Junior and Woodend-Hesket, were like a real big family.
“My senior coach [Al Rae] has been very helpful,” he said. “I played only three games this year.
“He communicated everything and asked where I wanted to play to get the most out of myself.
“Gerome Raco who also works at Calder at times… was also helpful and supportive.”
Watt was one of two Woodend boys at the Cannons this year.
Copper Duff-Tytler is set to go in the top 10 and it comes as no surprise to Watt, who has grown up playing football with him.
“Hopefully it can get the Woodend name out there, it’s a good club and community.”
While keen to have an impact at North Melbourne’s VFL side, Watt has also locked in another sporting commitment for the summer.
He has signed to play cricket with Woodend.
“I’m not sure how it will work with football,” he said. “I’m excited.
“I have a few mates down there and my cousin is down there.”
