The Cobden recruit has signed with the premiership contender after stints at TAC Cup, VFL, Goulburn Valley and Ballarat league levels.

Watson, who last played for his home club three seasons ago, said he “felt like the time was right” to re-join the Bombers.

“I just have one year left of uni so I am not sure where I will end up after that and my sister is having a baby as well so that had an impact,” he said of his decision.

“A few of my mates are coming back like ‘Hinks’ (Paul Hinkley) and Timmy Horan so that probably got me over the line.”

The Melbourne-based ball winner, still only 23, spent two injury-interuppted campaigns at Redan.

“When I say play, I say that pretty lightly because I’ve been a little bit injured,” Watson said.

“I had a shoulder reconstruction and a miniscus (tear) in my knee, so I think I only played a handful of games in the last couple of years.

“I got a season-ending injury halfway through last year so I’ve been pretty much training since the end of footy season, so I feel good, but touch wood because I know how easily it can break down.

“I am looking forward to hopefully playing 18 games and if I can play week after week hopefully the rest will take care of itself.”

Coach Levi Dare – a three-time Maskell Medal-winning ruckman – will help Watson re-adjust to the Hampden competition with the pair to team up at clearances.

“He is a pretty fit looking ruckman,” Watson said.

“I’ve seen how dominant he was when I played in 2012 and by all reports he’s only gotten better, so hopefully he keeps that going this year.”

Watson will train with Cobden, which is coming off a preliminary final appearance, once a week while finishing the last year of an exercise science-teaching double degree at Australian Catholic University.