Mature-age forward Alec Waterman is firming for an AFL debut in round one after signing with Essendon under supplemental selection period rules.
The 24-year-old secured his one-year contract on Tuesday, less than a week after kicking four goals on trial in the Bombers' practice match against Carlton.
Last season, Waterman kicked 26 goals from 10 games with Claremont and won the WAFL club's best-and-fairest award.
However, he was overlooked at the AFL draft.
Waterman, who offers a strong body and mid-sized marking option, could line up in a revamped Essendon forward line against Hawthorn in round one, with former Gold Coast tall Peter Wright and inexperienced Harry Jones also in the mix.
Versatile veteran Cale Hooker could also be used in attack as the Bombers - now without departed stars Joe Daniher and Orazio Fantasia - re-model their forward line under first-year senior coach Ben Rutten.
Waterman was initially a father-son selection by West Coast at the 2014 draft but battled glandular fever during his two years with the Eagles and was delisted at the end of 2016 without playing an AFL game.
Waterman is the son of former West Coast premiership star Chris Waterman and brother of Eagles forward Jake Waterman.
Meanwhile, Melbourne are considering offering Werribee defender Kye Declase a contract under the SSP rules.
Declase played under former Tigers VFL coach Mark Williams, who is now in a development role with the Demons.
