Father-son draftee Jake Waterman has been diagnosed with a foot stress fracture in an injury setback for West Coast.

The 18-year-old is expected to miss four to six weeks in a significant delay to his first AFL season.

Waterman, drafted with the final selection of last year’s national draft at pick No.77, had shown promise across the pre-season as a strong lead-up forward.

The son of dual premiership defender Chris Waterman, the teenager was given some exposure in the JLT Community Series by playing in last month’s 33-point loss to Greater Western Sydney in Narrandera.

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Waterman finished that first appearance for the Eagles with five disposals from four marks.

His injury is the second significant setback for the Eagles this pre-season, with fellow forward Willie Rioli also sidelined with a hamstring tear.

The blow for Waterman continues the family’s poor luck over the past two seasons.

Older brother Alec Waterman was de-listed at the end of last season after two years on West Coast’s list, having been forced to take indefinite leave due to ongoing problems caused by glandular fever.

Camera Icon Waterman was thrown in the deep end and asked to hold down a key forward role in the club’s first pre-season game. Credit: Getty Images

His younger sibling was drafted after an impressive 2016 season.

Waterman booted five goals in his WAFL league debut last year and was later nominated by West Coast as a father-son selection.

Scott Lycett, Jonathan Giles and Liam Duggan will all make their own respective returns from injury with WAFL affiliate East Perth in a practice match against East Fremantle today.