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LW
Netball Biography

Liz Watson

“Watto”

Australian flag Australian · Carlton, Victoria, Australia · Born 30 March 1994

Wing Attack

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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.

Famous For

Captaining Australia back to major tournament success, winning Commonwealth Games and World Cup gold in successive years

Playing Style

How They Played

Powerful, creative wing attack renowned for exceptional running, feeding and leadership under pressure

Legacy

Lasting Impact

Regarded as one of the finest midcourters and captains of her generation, restoring Australia to the top of world netball

Honours & Achievements

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 Career
Club Period Apps
Melbourne Vixens2014–2023
Sunshine Coast Lightning2024–2026
Career Journey

Timeline

2014 🎯 Domestic debut for Melbourne Vixens, wins premiership as Rookie of the Year
2016 🎯 International debut for Australia against England
2018 ⚡ Wins Liz Ellis Diamond and Australian International Player of the Year
2020 🏆 Co-captains Melbourne Vixens to a Super Netball premiership
2021 🎯 Named Australia's 25th national captain
2022 🏆 Captains Australia to Commonwealth Games gold, first major title in 7 years
2023 🏆 Captains Australia to World Cup gold
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Liz Watson

She captained Australia to Commonwealth Games gold in 2022 and World Cup gold in 2023, the country's first major titles in seven years.

She has won Australian netball's top individual award twice, in 2018 and 2022.

She played for the Melbourne Vixens from 2014 to 2023, winning a premiership in 2020, before signing with Sunshine Coast Lightning from 2024.

She was named Australia's 25th national captain in September 2021 and was reappointed through the 2027 World Cup.

Yes, she missed the entire 2021 Super Netball season with a long-standing foot injury that required surgery, returning to play in 2022.