Jessica Waterhouse
Jessica Waterhouse | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 7, 1997 |
| Occupation(s) | Athlete (Australian rules footballer and soccer player) |
| Years active | 2014–2024 (approximate, based on soccer and AFLW career) |
| Known for | Playing for Adelaide United (W-League) and Adelaide Crows (AFLW) |
Jessica Lee Waterhouse (born 7 February 1997) is a retired athlete who competed in both Australian rules football and professional soccer. Their most recent AFL Women's affiliation was with the Adelaide Crows. Prior to their football career, Waterhouse spent three seasons playing soccer for Adelaide United in Australia's W-League.
AFL Women's career
Waterhouse made the switch to Australian rules football in 2017, initially joining the Christies Beach Football Club competing in the Adelaide Footy League. They played an important role in securing the Division 2 Premiership for Christies Beach. Subsequently, Waterhouse represented Happy Valley Football Club within the same league before being signed as a free agent by Adelaide in 2022. This recruitment was to fill the vacancy left by Jasmyn Hewett, who stepped away due to professional obligations.
Their AFLW debut occurred in round 5, where they scored a goal contributing to a commanding victory at Unley Oval. Waterhouse's peak performance was highlighted during the 2023 season when they netted two goals playing as a pressure small forward in a semi-final held at Norwood Oval. After participating in 15 matches, Waterhouse was delisted following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Post-career
Following their AFLW tenure, Waterhouse resumed playing in the SANFL Women's league with South Adelaide during AFLW off-seasons starting in 2025, while residing in Melbourne, Victoria. During this timeframe, they also engaged in rugby union competition.
On 30 June 2025, Waterhouse made a club change from South Adelaide to Power House AFC within the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA).
Personal life
Waterhouse identifies with they/them pronouns. They are married to Emma, and together they have built a substantial audience on TikTok. Additionally, Waterhouse is related to former Fremantle player Clive Waterhouse, who is their uncle.