A compact catcher assembly (20) for an abrasive waterjet having a nozzle assembly (22) and a jewel orifice (not shown) for producing a high velocity fluid jet (26) to cut a workpiece within a small area in which to receive the catcher assembly, such as between the upper and lower flanges (28) and (30) of an I-beam (32). The catcher assembly includes a deflector block (42) having an upper surface (62) defining a perimeter, a lower surface (64), and a cylindrical side surface (60) vertically spacing the upper surface from the lower surface. The upper surface has a vertically extending first inlet port (68), while the side surface defines a first exhaust port (74) extending horizontally through the side surface. The deflector block includes an inlet channel (66) extending normally from said entry port to a predetermined distance within the deflector block to define a bottom surface (70) opposite the entry port. The deflector block also includes a first exit channel (72) extending from the exit port and intersecting the inlet channel at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the inlet channel to define a cushion cavity (76) between the intersection and the bottom to dissipate the kinetic energy of the fluid.