Public Perception to Watts Inclusion

[deanox 8,588]

We have been talking about how Watts' first match could bring the crowd through the gate for the club, but I've just been told some of the sentiment on 3AW is completely the opposite- accusing us of picking him for the marketing and not because he deserves it.

Has anyone been able to hear 3AW to let us know what is being said? What about other talk back ie SEN?

How do people feel about the selection of players for marketing reasons rather than on merit? I am sure the club would disagree with this statement but it is hard to argue we aren't trying to play it up, by reporting it on a Wednesday pre-selection etc

Thoughts?

(PS mods, I know this could have been included in the other thread, but thought this was worthy of a discussion on its own, otherwise it would be swallowed)

[45HG 1,539]

The more talkback, the more focus, the more interest on Monday.

Frankly, I couldn't give a crap what a Carlton (as if they could talk) fan has to say about us playing our Number One pick (why wouldn't we play him?).

[Longsufferingnomore 1,463]

We have been talking about how Watts' first match could bring the crowd through the gate for the club, but I've just been told some of the sentiment on 3AW is completely the opposite- accusing us of picking him for the marketing and not because he deserves it.

Has anyone been able to hear 3AW to let us know what is being said? What about other talk back ie SEN?

How do people feel about the selection of players for marketing reasons rather than on merit? I am sure the club would disagree with this statement but it is hard to argue we aren't trying to play it up, by reporting it on a Wednesday pre-selection etc

Thoughts?

(PS mods, I know this could have been included in the other thread, but thought this was worthy of a discussion on its own, otherwise it would be swallowed)

Who cares at the moment. It will only be a problem if he has a real shocker than all the knockers will be out there saying it was too soon to play him. I am absolutely sure that Dean Bailey would not have allowed him to play unless he thought that he was ready and wouldn't embarass himself because that would do more harm than good. Also I don't think that Jimmy would interfere in the selection process so if the decision has been made it is a football decision with a mind to the marketing as well. Not to mention what it is doing to those here. I mean there are people not studying for exams, missing essays, sleep and those trag's who are thinking about kissing men - again WT (on a another thread) I went on-line today and got my visitors tickets because this is going to be BIG and it looks like an early start on Monday 10.00am - a long and hopefully very happy day.

[Roost It 1,434]

The club's in serious rebuild. It's struggling for positive exposure and is forced to do things like this. I say good on them, it's about time Melbourne marketed itself in such a manner. To say Watts doesn't deserve a game is ludicrous. We're developing a side and he will be a massive part of it. If Cale Morton can play then so can Watts. Name a better match for him to debut. Full marks to the club and up yours if you don't agree.

[Longsufferingnomore 1,463]

The club's in serious rebuild. It's struggling for positive exposure and is forced to do things like this. I say good on them, it's about time Melbourne marketed itself in such a manner. To say Watts doesn't deserve a game is ludicrous. We're developing a side and he will be a massive part of it. If Cale Morton can play then so can Watts. Name a better match for him to debut. Full marks to the club and up yours if you don't agree.

Roost who/where is that quote from (bottom of your page)

[Jaded No More 57,824]

The media I've heard has been mostly positive, but here is the thing, who gives a crap what other clubs/supporters think?

The only thing that matters is how Watts feels, and if asked, I doubt he would say he feels exploited.

In fact, ask any kid playing sport at any level, and he will tell you that he prefers to play in big games on big grounds in front of big crowds, than in nothing games.

Jack has had the right physical and mental preparation and has ticked all the boxes both with his playing and his studies.

He deserves to play, and the added financial incentive he brings with him, is just a bonus.

[Little Goffy 12,568]

There are also people who trawl the internet looking at other people's personal pages and leaving abusive comments.

It's only an issue if Watts never plays another game.

[deanox 8,588]

good response here. i didn't hear the comments, 45hotgod, was it just one carlton supporter complaining?

[45HG 1,539]

Sorry, nah I didn't hear it - was just saying what I'd think if anyone did say something negative.

No team could really talk anyway

[Doggo 32]

I know just from speaking to my non-MFC supporting mates, that the majority seem to be of the view that we are being too conservative with Watts. I've given them the old "we'll play him when he's ready... he didnt have a preseason... still too light... still at school... etc etc" and they always come back with "he's the best kid in the country, he'll learn to deal with whatever come his way... if he's not injured, you should play him!"

I figure when it comes to top draft pick players, the football following community generally expect/want to see them play early, even if their form doesn't neccesarily suggest they should be picked. The fact they were elite juniors is proof enough. I'm surprised to hear that the current sentiment on talkback is negatively geared towards us- exploiting Watts for exposure, because i've heard nothing but the opposite around town in recent weeks. People want to see Watts, and what better day to "unveil" him to the footy world than our blockbuster QB match? He'll learn more about playing footy in the AFL on QB Monday in front of 70,000, than he would against say, Fremantle, in a near empty MCG.

Jack's form has been solid without being spectacular, and though there are other young players who have played better/more consistently in the VFL than he has over the season thus far, that doesn't neccesarily mean Jack isn't ready. I have total faith that DB and the FD have got it right and are playing him now because he is ready, and as was stated in the press conference, he's managing his school workload, and training, really well. I honestly believe they wouldn't do it if they thought he couldn't handle the pressure of the blockbuster environment- although just last week i said i wouldn't be surprised if he didnt play until round 18-22, i'll back the coaching staff on this one.

[Jaded No More 57,824]

I also wanna add that, whether he likes it or not, Watts will be a media and marketing weapon for us (if he lives up to expectations of course).

He isn't just a talented player, he is also very well spoken, confident and has the right look to be driving marketing campaigns for many years to come.

It is going to be part of his role at the club, and he will no doubt get financially rewarded for it as well. Time to get used to it.

[45HG 1,539]

Another reason I love QB is that all those watching at home are cheering on the Red and Blue.

I agree with you Doggo, watching him on the only game in town will give them greater reason to want to see us go well.

[Roost It 1,434]

Roost who/where is that quote from (bottom of your page)

I like to think all our draftees say this

[Jarka 767]

There's an important factor to this opinion that we've picked him purely for marketing purposes, and that is how many of those who are making these statements have actually watched him play and train over the last month?

My guess is not that many

[Real Demon 232]

Who cares what the public perception is!

There's a positive buzz around the club, and this just adds to it.

I've never been more excited as a supporter when we've be so low on the ladder in all my life.

It doesn't matter whether he has 5 goals, or only gets 5 touches............it's another piece of the puzzle coming together, and I think it's great.

We're a good chance to win the game, so for me, Monday cannot come quick enough!

[Guest morton10]

The club's in serious rebuild. It's struggling for positive exposure and is forced to do things like this. I say good on them, it's about time Melbourne marketed itself in such a manner. To say Watts doesn't deserve a game is ludicrous. We're developing a side and he will be a massive part of it. If Cale Morton can play then so can Watts. Name a better match for him to debut. Full marks to the club and up yours if you don't agree.

Couldn't have said it better myself roost. Agree with you 100%.

5 more sleeps and I already have butterflys in my stomack

[agent 99 57]

The club pays him so they can use him however they see fit. So how can anyone comment on his inclusion when the club thinks its going to get maximum impact from their investment? Its a win for Melbourne and a win for Watts. He has alot of hype around him so why not use him on the clubs biggest game this year.

Blooding him on our biggest game this year will give jack a start and a connection to this club that he will remember for the rest of his life. So a win for all. I just hope he remembers it well after our 3rd premiership win in the next 10 years

[dreamin' man 0]

Far be it from me to be negative & I wish JW, & therefore all of us, the best on Monday but have painful memories of the first round of '97 (96?) when the MFC brought in the Cockatoo-Collins twins, which was a headline-grabbing act, & we got trounced by Geelong (it was the first game of the AFL's centenary season) & the C-C twins were never really great.

Having said that, neither were they a No. 1 draft pick, & Jack seems well equipped to deal w. any tough times that may come in our rebuilding process.

Good luck Jack!

[Doggo 32]

Far be it from me to be negative & I wish JW, & therefore all of us, the best on Monday but have painful memories of the first round of '97 (96?) when the MFC brought in the Cockatoo-Collins twins, which was a headline-grabbing act, & we got trounced by Geelong (it was the first game of the AFL's centenary season) & the C-C twins were never really great.

Having said that, neither were they a No. 1 draft pick, & Jack seems well equipped to deal w. any tough times that may come in our rebuilding process.

Comparing THE Jack Watts to the (unfortunate) Cockatoo-Collins brothers... shame on you!!!

Wash your mouth (or keyboard) out with soap ! :angry:

I'm kidding, btw...

[Rogue 585]

We have been talking about how Watts' first match could bring the crowd through the gate for the club, but I've just been told some of the sentiment on 3AW is completely the opposite- accusing us of picking him for the marketing and not because he deserves it.

Understandable sentiment but it doesn't necessarily mean the game won't attract attention for the right reasons too.

How do people feel about the selection of players for marketing reasons rather than on merit? I am sure the club would disagree with this statement but it is hard to argue we aren't trying to play it up, by reporting it on a Wednesday pre-selection etc

First, I have no doubt the fact it's QB has been a factor.

Second, given our (on-field) circumstances I'm not particularly fussed if we decided to play him this week, rather than give him another one or three games at Casey (btw, anyone else still think of Sandy first when talking about our 'reserves').

(PS mods, I know this could have been included in the other thread, but thought this was worthy of a discussion on its own, otherwise it would be swallowed)

I'm all for less of the mega-threads for this reason, so I won't be moving it

[dreamin' man 0]

Comparing THE Jack Watts to the (unfortunate) Cockatoo-Collins brothers... shame on you!!!

Wash your mouth (or keyboard) out with soap ! :angry:

I'm kidding, btw...

Punishment taken. Am rinsing w. Imperial Leather now!

[Nasher 33,047]

I had a peep on a few opposition supporter forums earlier, and after the hysteria on here I was genuinely surprised at how negative the 'rest' of supporters have been.

For me, it took absolutely no gloss off the moment whatsoever. Screw what anyone else thinks.`

[Einstein 1]

To be honest, I couldn't care less what opposition supporters think about our playing Watts.

The fact is, any club in our position would be promoting Watts' inclusion heavily and making the most of it. Why not? He is not playing merely to pump up an attendance figure. He is playing because he is ready to. And the club would be moronic not to be pumping it up for all it's worth. Any other club would.

There were always going to knockers. And for what ever reason, the MFC always cops it. Sometimes it doesn't matter what we do, there are people who love to put a negative cynical spin on it. People love sticking the boots into our club.

Oddly enough though, I went and had a read of the Collingwood board on Big Footy. They had a 'Watts in for Dees' thread. Hardly a negative comment, with the overwhelming majority wishing Jack all the best. So, make of that what you will.

I think the majority of press and public response has been very positive. There will always be a few MFC knockers. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Trisul 636]

Sorry deanox, haven't heard anything and from what Nasher says, I'm not going hunting the web. Not that it would make a difference.

Regardless of what it is, isn't, etc for the MFC or others, it's just reward to JW himself for doing the hard work and ticking every box that he's been asked to.

Tell that to the fault finders.

[45HG 1,539]

Ben Cousins anyone?

The bloody AFL built up his "debut." They moved the freakin' match for that, so if anyone has a go at us they can shove it