Farewell Jack Watts

[Skuit 9,109]

Now that he's on the way out, I can finally say what I've been thinking for the past five years: Jack's kicking is overrated.

Given, Jack can have his creative moments to open up the play (and we missed he and Salem in Darwin), but I wish there was a stat which measured DE% against distance, as the majority of his clean-kicking over the course has been slow and dinky.

Actually, he and Hogan are not that dissimilar - both best suited to the same role, pretty tidy, but prone to holding up the play. Yet, I'd take Jesse over Jack.

And this has been one of my issues this year: our forward-line dynamic. A team full of mediums alongside talls who play medium. All of Hogan, Watts and Pedo play better when roaming up the ground.

But Watts can't contest, Hogan can't kick from beyond 40 or take a pack-mark, and Pedo can't get involved unless he is the prime mover.

We need more penetrating and accurate kickers coming into forward-line, and more key forwards who can stay at home. Hoping Oliver, Petracca, Hunt, Hibberd and Brayshaw will become the former, but the latter? 

Something has to give. 

Edited October 3, 2017 by Skuit

[Lucifers Hero 36,973]

7 hours ago, praha said:

It may be because Watts' comments came at a private function and not an official press conference, whereas Goodwin's comments were made while representing the club in an official capacity during an AFL branded show. Maybe.

Not sure.  I was thinking if it is ok for the AFL to put it on their website, why not for MFC website which is where Melbourne supporters would go to get info about the club, players etc.

Clubs can choose what AFL material goes on their own website and it seems MFC has chosen to not put up the Jack article.

I think I read Jimmy Bartel was there, promoting the TAB Spring Carnival but whether it was AFL branded/sanctioned I don't know. 

Edited October 3, 2017 by Lucifer's Hero

[bing181 8,149]

.@MatthewLloyd18: "If I was Jack Watts' captain he would frustrate me ... he shouldn't be surprised he's in this situation."
#NABTradeRadio

[bing181 8,149]

Chris Davies: "We still think we're in with a chance for Jack Watts until we hear otherwise." 
#NABTradeRadio

(Port Adelaide)

[jumbo returns 6,484]

4 hours ago, Skuit said:

Now that he's on the way out, I can finally say what I've been thinking for the past five years: Jack's kicking is overrated.

In the spirit of convivial debate, I respectfully disagree

[pitmaster 3,050]

6 hours ago, bing181 said:

Just what is it about this that people are not getting?

It's clear that Watts has been asked and asked to cut back on the partying.

 

Tell us more because I don't know of this. Jack has not been charged with any of the usual out of control footballer offences such as being arrested for D & D, caught on CCTV in a scuffle, pinching a team mate's squeeze, consorting with crims or fleeing the scene of a car crash.

So how do we know he's been told to cut back on the partying? Quotes please...

[Yokozuna 1,004]

So many things to say about this entire thread.

let me start by saying I actually like watts and have no issue with him staying, as we could do with an elite kick on our team.

1) I can't believe jack is surprised, and if he is, that is a worry in itself. Yes, he started he season in good form once he got over his Poor pre season, but his late form was poor and he has been on the list for 9 years without being a consistent, really good player. Stop making excuses as to why he was poor for the first 5 years!

2) people all know his poorer qualities, and complain about it all the time, but once he gets put up for possible trade, many forget them and focus on the fact he is a great kick. Pretty sure we need more than just a great kick from him. The fact he rarely tackles, doesn't sprint like one of the fastest players on our list and can be seen as soft, and that hasn't changed in 9 years, is what needs to change.

3) for those saying we need to improve and bring in new players (such as lever), but we need to keep watts too, we do need to change our best 22 players, so for those saying, get rid of Kent etc. that won't be opening a spot in the actual team. i know people will say guys like vince will be gone soon and other bit part players like ANB and harmes etc. can be taken out for him, but I hope you know what I mean by getting rid of some in our best 22 in order to improve.

4) I also can't believe people who think this will ruin Goodwin. Clubs do this all the time, not always in the spotlight, but it does happen. This will not ruin Goodwin, and he is not the only one who feels this way. This is a football department decision and he is just the figurehead talking about it, and if you don't agree with me there, you are delusional.

I also know for a fact the players and the club love jack for what he is, but popularity doesn't win games!

if we keep the same squad we had this season, we aren't going to win the flag, so some change needs to be made!

[Yokozuna 1,004]

8 minutes ago, pitmaster said:

Tell us more because I don't know of this. Jack has not been charged with any of the usual out of control footballer offences such as being arrested for D & D, caught on CCTV in a scuffle, pinching a team mate's squeeze, consorting with crims or fleeing the scene of a car crash.

So how do we know he's been told to cut back on the partying? Quotes please...

I have no evidence he has been told to cut back, but I do know he is a lover of the ingot life and is out and about a lot. He is not alone there, but he is visible and it is not a great look, especially when he rocks up to pre season as he did last season! 

I would be shcocked if he hadn't been told to pull his head in on more than 1 Occassion.

 

[DemonTux 95]

This all seems to be keeping the Melbourne destination club PR bandwagon rolling along. Anyone else notice there was a more than usual visibility of Melbourne people through grand final week? Now with Lever coming and Watts with a reasonable profile not wanting to leave,  keeps us popping up in papers and TV. IT's only a theory but as been stated earlier, Goodwind has said contract negotiations wont be publicly spoken about so maybe this is intentional with the intended result of nothing happening but in the entertainment industry of AFL, it's certainly keeping people engaged with Melbourne as a place where people want to be.... or maybe I have just watch the hunger games to much.

[picket fence 15,040]

6 hours ago, bing181 said:

If being an ugly club that plays hard, ugly, uncompromising footy gets us a premiership, fine by me.

Yeah well that hasn't happened before has it!? What will change next year?? I can still see Norf , Freo Even Gold Coast fancy rolling us! 

[Engorged Onion 9,218]

4 minutes ago, DemonTux said:

This all seems to be keeping the Melbourne destination club PR bandwagon rolling along. Anyone else notice there was a more than usual visibility of Melbourne people through grand final week? Now with Lever coming and Watts with a reasonable profile not wanting to leave,  keeps us popping up in papers and TV. IT's only a theory but as been stated earlier, Goodwind has said contract negotiations wont be publicly spoken about so maybe this is intentional with the intended result of nothing happening but in the entertainment industry of AFL, it's certainly keeping people engaged with Melbourne as a place where people want to be.... or maybe I have just watch the hunger games to much.

your cynicism actually makes a little sense...

[DemonTux 95]

don't know if it's cynicism or just an attempt to comprehend to reach an acceptable conclusion for me

[jackaub 1,402]

I am not and have  never been a great Jack supporter

He has teased me since he arrived  and continues to do so

I see his abilities and have always wondered why he couldnt be the star we have wished for for so long.

A great outcome would be for Jack to take control of his destiny and play in a few grand finals over the next 4 years

And hence become one of the great loved players for the demons

I hope he realises that this is still possible but it is now entirely up to him!!!

[demondomination 27]

Mark my words. Watts will be a Dee next year. 

[mo64 5,208]

I suggest everybody listens to Josh Mahoney's interview on SEN this morning. Here's a brief rundown:

- Watts can explore opportunities elsewhere, but if he can't find a deal that suits himself and the club, he'll remain at the club.

- Mahoney couldn't make it any clearer that the club is unhappy with his level of professionalism,and the impact that it can have on our young list.

- He a senior player, and the club expects more out of Watts.

This is my take on it. The club will keep him on the club's terms. There was clear frustration in Mahoney's voice, because the club's expectations are higher than Watts own. This would have been exacerbated with Watts holding his own presser yesterday, and saying that he's played well the past 2 years. The club has had enough, because Watts just doesn't get it.

[jnrmac 18,913]

Some of the stuff here is ridiculous. Watts is a perennial underperformet. He can't be relied upon. The club knows it.his teammates know it. He is a good bloke but the won't cut it any more. A good sign for a maturing team.

the club has all the info on his work rate and intensity. They know what they are doing with this wake up call.

[Dr. Gonzo 22,390]

11 hours ago, spirit of norm smith said:

Rubbish .  6-7 others would have to go or not be extended contracts. 

Name them

[Demon Dynasty 15,164]

6 hours ago, Akum said:

How do we know this? PJ, Mahoney & the Board have been silent so far, which is actually very wise, because for them to say anything about it, publicly or privately, could be quite damaging for the club. They would not be happy at all about being put in this position.

Boo hoo Akum.  Don't be part of a club if you can't step up to the plate and deal with the hard issues now and then.  Damaging for the club?  The way this is being handled is already damaging our culture and standing amongst plenty IMO.

Maybe the continued silence of the board and PJ  on this potentially devisive issue is the same problem that has haunted this club for decades....no back bone, no support for key players and/or the coach when required (Jnr Mac, Swooper and N.S. For example).

STILL no ticker at the top???

Edited October 3, 2017 by Rusty Nails

[Redleg 37,448]

I have Melbourne mates who can't stand Jack. They say he is a squib, is probably the only 196cm player in the AFL who doesn't take pack marks, is never hard at the contest, applies no pressure and doesn't tackle and has played a few good games this year and last and that is all you will ever get out of him.

They have wanted him gone for a few years and know nothing about his training and outside footy activities but can't stand him.

Obviously they are not alone in these views.

[DaveyDee 421]

7 minutes ago, mo64 said:

I suggest everybody listens to Josh Mahoney's interview on SEN this morning. Here's a brief rundown:

- Watts can explore opportunities elsewhere, but if he can't find a deal that suits himself and the club, he'll remain at the club.

- Mahoney couldn't make it any clearer that the club is unhappy with his level of professionalism,and the impact that it can have on our young list.

- He a senior player, and the club expects more out of Watts.

This is my take on it. The club will keep him on the club's terms. There was clear frustration in Mahoney's voice, because the club's expectations are higher than Watts own. This would have been exacerbated with Watts holding his own presser yesterday, and saying that he's played well the past 2 years. The club has had enough, because Watts just doesn't get it.

Exactly, we have a game plan that demands intensity around the football - our game plan demands a level of fitness or you will get injured and useless to everyone. Jack has a role to play, he is a role model for our younger players. 

However, I will say it again ... I'm a huge Jack Watts fan and he is 90% gone. 

[Pates 9,536]

An interesting aside to all of this is we have Weids waiting in the wings. Next year is the year that many (I’m sure the FD included) would have seen for him to make the leap from VFL to AFL player permanent. 

But that’s a lot of talls to fit in the forward line. Especially if as expected we get Lever as that could potentially free TMac up to move forward (where I think he plays better). Fact is I don’t think there’s room for everyone. 

I’m still a supporter of the “remain a demon” side but it’s interesting to consider. 

[drdrake 3,035]

The club has identified that the only expendable player on our list with any trade value is Jack Watts.  On what has been reported through out the year Jack's preparation and form in the back half of the year made him the expendable player, if he prepared and played to his maximum potential he wouldn't be in this position.

Second point, Jack has to want to move, he can say no, so the club has a choice mend the bridge or pay him out, we won't be paying him out

[SFebes 4,692]

41 minutes ago, mo64 said:

I suggest everybody listens to Josh Mahoney's interview on SEN this morning. Here's a brief rundown:

- Watts can explore opportunities elsewhere, but if he can't find a deal that suits himself and the club, he'll remain at the club.

- Mahoney couldn't make it any clearer that the club is unhappy with his level of professionalism,and the impact that it can have on our young list.

- He a senior player, and the club expects more out of Watts.

This is my take on it. The club will keep him on the club's terms. There was clear frustration in Mahoney's voice, because the club's expectations are higher than Watts own. This would have been exacerbated with Watts holding his own presser yesterday, and saying that he's played well the past 2 years. The club has had enough, because Watts just doesn't get it.

Then this: ouch

"Mahoney on Watts: He should be a much better player than what he's played so far."

 

[stevethemanjordan 6,952]

I guess Goodwin and Mahoney can be lumped in with the "Watts bashers" now hey...

[Dr. Gonzo 22,390]

10 hours ago, nosoupforme said:

I think Goodwin owes us an explanation for Watts' treatment.Did he do something wrong? Did he turn up his nose at Goodwin?

There is something that has stirred the pot.

I doubt you'd want to hear it even if he did.

Edited October 3, 2017 by Dr. Gonzo