West Coast defender Francis Watson has got a taste of what’s required at the top level and is excited to reach that level consistently after being elevated to the Eagles’ senior list.

Watson has played two games in three seasons as a rookie, but the skilful backman has shown enough to fill a senior spot in 2020 after being elevated in October.

The 24-year-old, who was a mature-age recruit after taking up Australian football as a 17-year-old, said he knew what it took now to succeed at the top level.

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“The two games I played, my debut and then my second game, a home game back at Optus Stadium, I learnt that it takes a lot to get to the highest level and then it takes a lot more to maintain that,” Watson told the Eagles’ website after being elevated to the senior list.

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“Playing with blokes in the AFL compared to playing with blokes in the WAFL, they’re so much more bigger bodied, they’re so much fitter, they run so much more, and the skill level is just elite.

“So overall you have to be more talented, stronger and fitter.”

Watson, who hails from the Kimberley in WA’s far north, filled the last spot on West Coast’s list in 2017 as a category-B rookie.

He was promoted to a category-A rookie spot in 2018 and 2019, making his debut against Melbourne in round 18 this year.

He held his spot for the round 19 clash against North Melbourne and impressed with his movement, decision-making and skills.