Australian Football

Despite his soccer playing background, Clive Waterhouse adapted well to the Australian code of football. Athletic, high leaping and possessed of boundless energy, he was a handful for opposing defences wherever he played.

His senior career got underway in 1995 at Port Adelaide where he enjoyed a stellar debut campaign crowned by participation in the Magpies’ grand final triumph over Central District. His outstanding form led to his being taken by Fremantle as the number one draft pick at the 1995 National Draft.

Waterhouse, thanks to his ebullient, energetic style of play, became something of a cult figure at Fremantle, although it has to admitted that his form was mixed. At his best there were few more damaging half forwards in the game, but he was also prone to going missing at times. He also suffered from a number of injury concerns which limited his availability, particularly from 2001 onwards.

Between 1996 and 2004 he played 106 AFL games for Freo and booted 178 goals. He topped the club’s goal kicking list in 1998 with 30 goals. In 1999 he represented Australia in the International Rules series against Ireland.

When not selected for the Dockers Waterhouse initially played for Swan Districts (21 games, 38 goals, 1996-8) and later for Claremont (22 games, 43 goals, 2003-4). After leaving the AFL scene behind he returned home to Port Magpies where he spent the final three seasons of his playing career. His stats with Port were 89 SANFL games played and 208 goals kicked. His tally of 71 goals in 2005 saw him head his club’s list for the year.

Author - John Devaney