Watson played with St Kilda in various positions, predominantly on the half back line or across the centre.

[11][12] In October, 1925, only days after winning the Brownlow Medal, Watson accepted a job in Stawell as an Inspector with Equitable Life Assurance Company,[13] then in early 1926, he accepted the position of captain-coach of Stawell, but St Kilda, perhaps not surprisingly, refused to clear him.

[17] Watson played and coached Maryborough to the 1927 Ballarat Football League premiership.,[18] but resigned in February 1928.

[22] Watson took up foot running to keep fit during the late 1920s and competed in a number of rural athletic race meeting.

[23][24] Watson finally returned to the football field with his home town club of South Warrnambool as captain / coach in 1930, after the VFL lifted his disqualification[25] and St. Kilda granted him a permit.

[27] In the 1931 Western Districts FA semi final, South Warrnambool captain / coach, Colin Watson was best on ground, but suffered a fractured jaw against Portland.