Farewell Jack Watts

[spirit of norm smith 12,899]

52 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

I know it's not good in football to go by gut feel but it's been my view that an interstate club was always going to be his destination, that he needs to get out of the bubble to allow his career to refresh in a different environment. Port have been mentioned around for a little while now and it wouldn't surprise if an in principle deal has already been agreed upon with perhaps some fine tuning to be done during the trade period.

WJ have you had a tablet. Port is in Adelaide. A two team town mad about AFL footy. Maybe he escapes a social bubble only to walk into a media circus bubble. Also walks to a key rival for 2018 top 4. Smart move????

[rhaz 342]

4 minutes ago, Maybe next year said:

We not only lose one of our only reliable kicks at goals but we lose a character of the club who is great with kids and supporters alike. I for one am extremely disappointed and I think it shows a lack of loyalty by the club. I just hope it does not have adverse effects s like others players feeling like they can’t trust the club (eg Jesse Hogan, Oliver, etc).  Big mistake I feel

Yeah we should keep all the 'characters' but continue missing finals. Better to be a club with good people than to win, right?

[spirit of norm smith 12,899]

Just now, rhaz said:

Yeah we should keep all the 'characters' but continue missing finals. Better to be a club with good people than to win, right?

Watts was not to blame for missing finals. Give it up.  There was plenty of passengers still in 2017. Watts first half year in 17 was excellent and he was one of the best in round 23.  We are still hurting about finals but Watts was not the reason 

[ucanchoose 1,803]

I'm happy if it's true.

We need a forward line that hunts in packs....   Not ever going to get that from Jack

[rpfc 27,445]

7 minutes ago, ucanchoose said:

I'm happy if it's true.

We need a forward line that hunts in packs....   Not ever going to get that from Jack

Or Hannan. But that is an ethos thing; an attitude to play with the frenzy that won the Tigers a flag.

I am more concerned with getting an outside replacement for JW with skills. 

[DistrACTION Jackson 6,418]

1 minute ago, rpfc said:

Or Hannan. But that is an ethos thing; an attitude to play with the frenzy that won the Tigers a flag.

I am more concerned with getting an outside replacement for JW with skills. 

Hannan? He has shown more in one season in the tackling/pressure effort than Watts did in his entire time with us.

Plus with another pre-season will only get better. I'm fairly optimistic about what Mitch Hannan could do next season.

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

23 minutes ago, ProDee said:

Supporters are not privy to players preparation, training standards or application.

Do you know the extras that players do out of hours ?  Clubs do.

I appreciate this.

Franklin is apparently an elite trainer. I've never seen that description applied to Watts.

Several clubs have won flags since 2008. They've all achieved this without Jack Watts on the team sheet. This is all a known 'known' to me. In short, his presence on the list is not a 'make or break' for us. 

From afar, this has however been handled very poorly. Seems to be a messy divorce. It lacks class to see the Captain come out with the words he has IF we are actually trading him.

Specifically, I'd like to know what Lewis thinks of the cultural impact that this may have on the rest of the list. It may be absolutely nil, which would be a relief, obviously.

But I've not taken any comfort in the tough guy responses from many here about this. I've seen this script before - and I was a supporter of the fierce approach adopted by the club at the time. I, like many here (and also within the club at the time), were completely wrong. History shows this. In particular, the execution of that strategy was unsatisfactory.

As Niall Ferguson states, we cannot predict the future based on history. But we can certainly learn from it.

Goodwin strikes me as a far more impressive coach than Neeld, and I do take some comfort in that.

In short, I hope we're not blowing up a good thing here for a second round draft pick. This could end up being a positive, but, in my observation, the messaging and execution of it needs to be handled more delicately and, plainly, a lot better than it has been to date.

We have a young list and Watts is a popular figure. It would be naive to think this won't unsettle a few of the colts.

Perhaps Lewis should be handling the media a bit more going forward too.

 

[chook fowler 18,223]

7 minutes ago, Is Dom Is Good said:

Hannan? He has shown more in one season in the tackling/pressure effort than Watts did in his entire time with us.

Plus with another pre-season will only get better. I'm fairly optimistic about what Mitch Hannan could do next season.

Hannan had a very good first year methinks 

[The Stigga 879]

Trade Radio update - Dwayne claiming that Geelong is his preference, wants to stay in Victoria but also likes the notion of being a bit out of the Melbourne spotlight.

 

 

[Die Hard Demon 1,152]

3 minutes ago, The Stigga said:

Trade Radio update - Dwayne claiming that Geelong is his preference, wants to stay in Victoria but also likes the notion of being a bit out of the Melbourne spotlight.

 

 

The media has been a f**king circus thus far

[Guest]

58 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Yep, I'd love to know what Lewis thinks.

For all the party boy stuff on Jack Watts, not many partied more than Buddy Franklin and Josh Gibson at a similar age to Watts.

That club did okay during that period.

 

I think partying per se is not always the problem. I used to be a Puritan on this but I have changed somewhat.

I remember seeing Sammy Hammil’s Open Mike interview where he discussed one of the great things about Carlton before they fell off the cliff. He said the main thing he loved about it (before Big Jack sprayed him at the B&F) was the work/life balance involved. That there was a time to work hard and a time to put your feet up but you always needed to remember that when you pulled the jumper on, you were playing for keeps.

I think the problem is that some over the journey view the social scene of AFL as part of the job description as opposed to an occasional release from the stress of playing. Also when it’s time to hit the track, the old ‘sweat out what you drank’ mindset isn’t considered (not that you should get that wasted anyway).

[Cheap Seats 3,300]

3 minutes ago, Die Hard Demon said:

The media has been a f**king circus thus far

When you've got derrwayne on air anything can happen

[MudDogs Gawn Win.. someday 499]

18 minutes ago, The Stigga said:

Trade Radio update - Dwayne claiming that Geelong is his preference, wants to stay in Victoria but also likes the notion of being a bit out of the Melbourne spotlight.

 

 

Dwayne Pushing the case for his own club.. 

[Gator 16,891]

12 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

I appreciate this.

Franklin is apparently an elite trainer. I've never seen that description applied to Watts.

Several clubs have won flags since 2008. They've all achieved this without Jack Watts on the team sheet. This is all a known 'known' to me. In short, his presence on the list is not a 'make or break' for us. 

From afar, this has however been handled very poorly. Seems to be a messy divorce. It lacks class to see the Captain come out with the words he has IF we are actually trading him.

Specifically, I'd like to know what Lewis thinks of the cultural impact that this may have on the rest of the list. It may be absolutely nil, which would be a relief, obviously.

But I've not taken any comfort in the tough guy responses from many here about this. I've seen this script before - and I was a supporter of the fierce approach adopted by the club at the time. I, like many here (and also within the club at the time), were completely wrong. History shows this. In particular, the execution of that strategy was unsatisfactory.

As Niall Ferguson states, we cannot predict the future based on history. But we can certainly learn from it.

Goodwin strikes me as a far more impressive coach than Neeld, and I do take some comfort in that.

In short, I hope we're not blowing up a good thing here for a second round draft pick. This could end up being a positive, but, in my observation, the messaging and execution of it needs to be handled more delicately and, plainly, a lot better than it has been to date.

We have a young list and Watts is a popular figure. It would be naive to think this won't unsettle a few of the colts.

Perhaps Lewis should be handling the media a bit more going forward too.

 

Most posters who support the club's decision are considered in their approach. 

Denham has said on SEN this morning that the LG approached Watts over his standards.  This is significant.

Supporters can't accurately judge these things from afar.

[jnrmac 18,953]

1 hour ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Yep, I'd love to know what Lewis thinks.

For all the party boy stuff on Jack Watts, not many partied more than Buddy Franklin and Josh Gibson at a similar age to Watts.

That club did okay during that period.

 

Do you want to compare the accolades and achievements that Gibson and Franklin had to Watts? Which bit don't you get. It's about Jack's commitment to training and playing. Its below par. He got dropped for the pre-season after being urged by Roos to choose greatness.

He is a serial under performer and has poor professional standards. We know you love him but at least try to be objective.

[Pates 9,536]

I actually feel like Geelong could be a good fit for Jack, I would imagine he’s going to try to go for a club with a proven finals track record. After everything he’s been through at Melbourne it would make sense. 

Plus it’s still Victoria so the family will still be close. Would this be the best scenario for us?

[The Stigga 879]

Just now, Pates said:

I actually feel like Geelong could be a good fit for Jack, I would imagine he’s going to try to go for a club with a proven finals track record. After everything he’s been through at Melbourne it would make sense. 

Plus it’s still Victoria so the family will still be close. Would this be the best scenario for us?

I reckon it would be awesome to play for Geelong.

Out of the Melbourne 'bubble', by a pad down on the surf coast.

Surf during the week during your down time.

Sounds pretty good to me.

 

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

10 minutes ago, ProDee said:

Most posters who support the club's decision are considered in their approach. 

Denham has said on SEN this morning that the LG approached Watts over his standards.  This is significant.

Supporters can't accurately judge these things from afar.

I agree.

 

[drdrake 3,037]

Imagine if we have to cop some of his wage

[pinkshark 935]

Still cant quite believe we are trading Watts.  FMD.  Astounding!  

He has nominated Port Adelaide.  

The MFC have treated this bloke so poorly as advised by Goodwin.  It is a mistake.  

I don't want to hear any retorts about his preparation and his party boy status.  Everyone can blow all that out their ar$e for all I care.   The fact of the matter is he is an outstandingly talented player, loyal and deserves to be a part of our success.  70% of fans on this site agree.  Watts agrees.  But not Goody the, Hall of Famer from Adelaide.   Load up your shot gun and blow both fuc$%ing feet off.

Well as annoyed and upset at this as I am, I won't ever quit them.  But disillusionment is strong.  We have only Hogan for this year, if that.  He will return to WA in 2019.  That is a certainty.  

But as a passionate fan I have to say this one more time.  "[censored] you Goodwin you [censored] South Australian for the way you have orchestrated Jack Watts departure from this club."  It was very clear this has been his intention from Day 1 when he took the reins.  So predictable.

Having said all that good riddance Jack Watts.    Watch Ken Hinkley get the best out of him.  Hinkley doesn't coach from a manual like our boy.  He coaches people, all the different types of them. I'm not yet sure Goodwin could coach a finger up his ar$e at the minute.

 

 

[mo64 5,209]

3 minutes ago, The Stigga said:

I reckon it would be awesome to play for Geelong.

Out of the Melbourne 'bubble', by a pad down on the surf coast.

Surf during the week during your down time.

Sounds pretty good to me.

 

For JW that's on the weekend.

[Cheesy D. Pun 1,762]

I'm sure we've got our reasons for trading him but he's a good player and I hope his departure nets us something decent.

[DaveyDee 421]

11 hours ago, ProDee said:

You should have taken your own advice and finished up.

You've learnt nothing and add nothing.

But wait a second - you can dish out criticism but you cant take it. This is quite an aloof community. 

[No10 323]

14 minutes ago, Pates said:

I actually feel like Geelong could be a good fit for Jack, I would imagine he’s going to try to go for a club with a proven finals track record. After everything he’s been through at Melbourne it would make sense. 

Plus it’s still Victoria so the family will still be close. Would this be the best scenario for us?

Geel have 20 and 33 picks. Probably the latter.  No players of any worth likely to trade over.

It would be a great move for Jack probably. They've had mixed results in trades.. cough.. Mitch... but more recently with Henderson and Tuohy, have been solid.

[Die Hard Demon 1,152]

14 minutes ago, pinkshark said:

Still cant quite believe we are trading Watts.  FMD.  Astounding!  

He has nominated Port Adelaide.  

The MFC have treated this bloke so poorly as advised by Goodwin.  It is a mistake.  

I don't want to hear any retorts about his preparation and his party boy status.  Everyone can blow all that out their ar$e for all I care.   The fact of the matter is he is an outstandingly talented player, loyal and deserves to be a part of our success.  70% of fans on this site agree.  Watts agrees.  But not Goody the, Hall of Famer from Adelaide.   Load up your shot gun and blow both fuc$%ing feet off.

Well as annoyed and upset at this as I am, I won't ever quit them.  But disillusionment is strong.  We have only Hogan for this year, if that.  He will return to WA in 2019.  That is a certainty.  

But as a passionate fan I have to say this one more time.  "[censored] you Goodwin you [censored] South Australian for the way you have orchestrated Jack Watts departure from this club."  It was very clear this has been his intention from Day 1 when he took the reins.  So predictable.

Having said all that good riddance Jack Watts.    Watch Ken Hinkley get the best out of him.  Hinkley doesn't coach from a manual like our boy.  He coaches people, all the different types of them. I'm not yet sure Goodwin could coach a finger up his ar$e at the minute.

 

 

We've already had 100 pages worth of wrist slitting .. It's time to accept the reality, back in the coach, club and get excited about what our club is capable of achieving next year. With or without watts, we will be a stronger unit come round 1 next year. -- Who knows, maybe Ken Hinkley can get the best out of Watts, as he did Toumpas.

Edited October 8, 2017 by Die Hard Demon