Jackson Watkins
Calder Cannons
2026 AFL Draft
Power Rankings- Power Ranking
- No. 62
- Position
- General Forward
- Height
- 186 cm
- Age at draft
- 18y 1m
- Plays for
- Calder Cannons
- Draft night
- 19 November
| 2026 averages | GM | KI | HB | DI | MA | TA | I50 | R50 | GL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talent League | 11 | 12.6 | 7.3 | 19.9 | 5.1 | 2.6 | 5.1 | 1.0 | 1.5 |
Bio
Jackson Watkins emerged as a late-season draft smokey in 2026, putting himself firmly on the radar of AFL clubs with a powerful finish to his campaign. Coming through the Aberfeldie junior pathway before joining the Calder Cannons, he also represented Vic Metro. Watkins enjoyed a tremendous run of form in the back half of his draft year, highlighted by a dominant midfield performance in round 15 and a brilliant wildcard display against Sandringham. His late surge was rewarded with an invitation to the Victorian State Draft Combine, where he impressed by placing top 10 in the agility test and 20-metre sprint.
A general forward who also plays through the midfield, Watkins is known for his explosive speed and attacking intent. He thrives at ground level and is adept at bursting through traffic to take on tacklers. Scouts praise his clean handling in tight spaces and his poise when delivering the ball inside 50. With a genuine goal-scoring threat and the ability to generate drive from clearances, Watkins has positioned himself as an enticing prospect for clubs looking for a dynamic spark late in the draft.
Talent League career
17 games24 goals
- Debut
- R8 2025 v GEE25 May 2025
- Most recent
- WF 2026 v SAN30 Aug 2026
Stats
2026 | CAL | 11 | 12.6 | 7.3 | 19.9 | 5.1 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 2.6 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 87 |
2025 | CAL | 6 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 11.0 | 3.7 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 52 |
Bio
Jackson Watkins emerged as a late-season draft smokey in 2026, putting himself firmly on the radar of AFL clubs with a powerful finish to his campaign. Coming through the Aberfeldie junior pathway before joining the Calder Cannons, he also represented Vic Metro. Watkins enjoyed a tremendous run of form in the back half of his draft year, highlighted by a dominant midfield performance in round 15 and a brilliant wildcard display against Sandringham. His late surge was rewarded with an invitation to the Victorian State Draft Combine, where he impressed by placing top 10 in the agility test and 20-metre sprint.
A general forward who also plays through the midfield, Watkins is known for his explosive speed and attacking intent. He thrives at ground level and is adept at bursting through traffic to take on tacklers. Scouts praise his clean handling in tight spaces and his poise when delivering the ball inside 50. With a genuine goal-scoring threat and the ability to generate drive from clearances, Watkins has positioned himself as an enticing prospect for clubs looking for a dynamic spark late in the draft.
Profile
- Born
- 04 Oct 2008 (age 18y 20d)
- Height
- 186 cm
Teams
Bio
1 revisionJackson Watkins emerged as a late-season draft smokey in 2026, putting himself firmly on the radar of AFL clubs with a powerful finish to his campaign. Coming through the Aberfeldie junior pathway before joining the Calder Cannons, he also represented Vic Metro. Watkins enjoyed a tremendous run of form in the back half of his draft year, highlighted by a dominant midfield performance in round 15 and a brilliant wildcard display against Sandringham. His late surge was rewarded with an invitation to the Victorian State Draft Combine, where he impressed by placing top 10 in the agility test and 20-metre sprint.
A general forward who also plays through the midfield, Watkins is known for his explosive speed and attacking intent. He thrives at ground level and is adept at bursting through traffic to take on tacklers. Scouts praise his clean handling in tight spaces and his poise when delivering the ball inside 50. With a genuine goal-scoring threat and the ability to generate drive from clearances, Watkins has positioned himself as an enticing prospect for clubs looking for a dynamic spark late in the draft.