Australian midcourter and Diamonds captain who led Australia to Commonwealth Games and World Cup gold in 2022 and 2023, reclaiming the country's first major titles in seven years.
Elizabeth Watson was born on 30 March 1994 in Carlton, Victoria. She joined the Melbourne Vixens in 2014 after a call-up when another player withdrew due to pregnancy, and was named the club's Rookie of the Year after helping them win the ANZ Championship premiership in her debut season. Watson made her Australian debut in 2016 against England and was named the Liz Ellis Diamond in 2018 and again in 2022, recognising her status as one of the finest midcourters in the world. She won Commonwealth Games silver in 2018 and World Cup silver in 2019, before being confirmed as Australia's 25th national captain in September 2021 — a role she took on despite missing the entire 2021 domestic season through a foot injury. As captain, Watson led the Diamonds to Commonwealth Games gold at Birmingham 2022, Australia's first major tournament victory in seven years, and to World Cup gold in 2023. She co-captained the Melbourne Vixens to a Super Netball premiership in 2020 before moving to Sunshine Coast Lightning on a three-year deal from 2024. She was reappointed Australia's captain through the 2027 World Cup, alongside long-time teammate Kate Moloney as vice-captain.
Captaining Australia back to major tournament success, winning Commonwealth Games and World Cup gold in successive years
How They Played
Powerful, creative wing attack renowned for exceptional running, feeding and leadership under pressure
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of the finest midcourters and captains of her generation, restoring Australia to the top of world netball
Career Honours
- World Cup Gold 2023 (captain)
- Commonwealth Games Gold 2022 (captain)
- Liz Ellis Diamond 2018, 2022
- Australian International Player of the Year 2018
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Vixens | 2014–2023 | — |
| Sunshine Coast Lightning | 2024–2026 | — |