Delisted Docker returns to former WAFL club

Former Dockers defender Tobe Watson has returned to Swan Districts for next season after not being offered a contract with the Dockers for 2022.

Watson was among a quartet of Fremantle players that were axed by the club in August, concluding the 24-year-old's tenure at Cockburn.

A Donnybrook product, Watson played 14 games in purple across three years at the club, making his debut against Geelong last year.

The versatile defender played a total of 11 matches in 2021, failing to string together a consistent run of appearances under Justin Longmuir.

After being delisted, Watson has since returned to his roots in signing with Swan Districts for the upcoming season, having been drafted to the Dockers following an impressive campaign with the WAFL club in 2018.

The club confirmed Watson's signature on Tuesday, with coach Adam Pickering expressing his excitement in announcing the Swans' new signing.

"Tobe's one of those guys that hopefully is going to get an opportunity to train on with an AFL list over this summer period," Pickering said.

"While we would still like to think he might get another crack in the AFL, but should that not happen we are delighted to welcome him back here to Swan Districts for next year and beyond."

Swan Districts managed a finals finish in 2021 after landing at fifth on the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season, with Pickering's side having won 10 of their 18 matches for the year.

Watson is set to join former Eagles forward Jarrod Cameron at Steel Blue Oval in 2022.