It's a relief to finally read some rationality regarding our boy Watts. There has been way too much jumping to conclusions and unrealistic expectations thrown around our fortress of solitude here on Demonland.

Jack has all the attributes of a player unlike any other to have graced an oval field. His piercing set shot, explosive pace, clean hands and that beautiful pickup on Sunday are all testament to that. But there remains one concern...you would agree that ticking all the boxes doesn't make someone a star. I think we have all seen moments where Jack looks lost on the field, in no man's land, too far from the contest to impose himself but too close to exert pressure on a potential receiver. It is CRUCIAL that Jack is coached to play in a position that he can own and learns the ever illusive 'art of the AFL footballer'

In one game I witnessed Jack as a full forward, an on baller, a half forward and even contesting in the back 50. Each week Jack silences his critics by producing something that he is heavily criticised in the preceeding week...attack on the contest, goal sense, finding more of the footy, taking the game on, using both side of his body etc etc.

What I want to see does not come from Jack Watts. It comes all the way from the head of the snake. I want to see Dean Bailey say - Jack...you are going to be a ten year centre half forward. Now play in the position week in week out and make it yours. I've had enough of the Daniher days of trying to make everyone a utility and ultimately resulting in a team full of players who are JACK of all trades but a master of none. Mind the pun

(PS- this is my first post- be nice)

It is a good first post and I understand the sentiment but I disagree.

Growing this kid's confidence is the key to opening this kid's tool chest. Playing him at the most difficult position on the ground against big strong centre half backs is not yet within his reach. He has neither the body or the mind to play such a role. Giving the kid this role at this time would be detrimental for him and the team. He has not yet shown that he is capable of a contested mark under physical pressure.

Jack has shown that he is capable of finding space, his hands are great when there is a quick and clear option and his field kicking is excellent. He is learning to knock the ball to advantage and influence contests even when he can't win the ball. This is a role he is capable of and appears to be gradually building on his performances and growing in confidence each week. He makes a lot of mistakes but he is improving both his work rate and urgency.

I reckon it will become clear when and if he is ready to take the next step as a key position forward. Personally I don't think it would hurt him to spend a bit more time at Casey learning the craft but I understand the notion of acclimatising him to the pace of AFL footy.

Half the battle is getting the kid to believe he is good enough, the other half of the battle is having a mature body to compete with.

There's every reason to be excited.

I think everyone is annoyed because they're not seeing the pack-marking that we all saw him do in the TAC cup. Personally I think he has that in his game, he's just under instructions at the moment, his body is underdeveloped, he's not confident enough and probably doesn't quite have the engine.

I don't have anywhere near the concerns everyone else does. I've seen him lead and compete and get buffeted around. But the intent is there. He's just not big enough to be the guy who does the bumping... instead of the guy who GETS bumped.

I was saying to my brother the other day that in his body, he has the frame on him to put the weight on. He stoops a bit, but he's got the size to be able to add the muscle. Not chronically skinny like Morton.

I think with 6 games to go, barring disaster, he'll have the preseason we all want him to have, and THAT will be the thing that makes him a player to watch out for in 2011, and a force in the AFL in 2012. He's ticking all the boxes you want him to tick at the moment. He's learning, he's not so arrogant that he's getting ahead of himself, he's working for four quarters, he's starting to run with the ball, dispose of it to the right option, run far and wide to get the pill a la Riewoldt. If he works as hard as Nick, or even slightly less hard, I think he has the potential to be the preferred player between the two as he can kick absolutely beautifully.

The 14 year old kid in me wants him to be nominated, and to have some praise heaped on him, and for him to get some profile like Nicnat. But if you gave me the choice between what he's done so far, and a single 4-6 goal game... I'd take the former every time.

On a slow-burn style improvement is Jack. Am starting to trust him with the pill.

I think everyone is annoyed because they're not seeing the pack-marking that we all saw him do in the TAC cup. Personally I think he has that in his game, he's just under instructions at the moment, his body is underdeveloped, he's not confident enough and probably doesn't quite have the engine.

You've hit the nail on the head for me. I'd love to see him crash a pack or two. I also understand that he's not ready to be bashing and crashing with the big boys just yet.

What I'd really love to see (oddly enough) is Jack get suspended for charging or high contact. Something to show the league that he's not a little boy they can push around. I know it's counter-productive, but it drives me insane that every opponent he faces sees him as an easy target and spends every moment possible pushing, shoving and generally roughing him up. It would be one of the best moments of 2010 for me (and probably a lot of other supporters) to see him flatten someone with a bump, even a head high one, just to say to the thugs of the game "I'm here to stay and I have nothing to fear from you."

just a comment from Sunday's game, I was impressed with his work rate... Jack kept working up and down the ground, running and running to find space... When he dropped that simple mark at CHF in the last quarter, he shortly after went to the bench, and he was spent, hands on knees sucking in the air... the fatigue was definitely a factor...

secondly, just got a mention on Footy Classified, Hutchy was singing his praises... Said he had a great second half, key to getting us back in the match, and called that he'd be best on ground if he had of slotted those goals... Perhaps a slight exaageration, good to see some positive talk of his footy though...

You've hit the nail on the head for me. I'd love to see him crash a pack or two. I also understand that he's not ready to be bashing and crashing with the big boys just yet.

What I'd really love to see (oddly enough) is Jack get suspended for charging or high contact. Something to show the league that he's not a little boy they can push around. I know it's counter-productive, but it drives me insane that every opponent he faces sees him as an easy target and spends every moment possible pushing, shoving and generally roughing him up. It would be one of the best moments of 2010 for me (and probably a lot of other supporters) to see him flatten someone with a bump, even a head high one, just to say to the thugs of the game "I'm here to stay and I have nothing to fear from you."

You're probably going to get a hard time for that, and while I won't get stuck into you for hoping for violence, I will disagree with what you've said. I'd love him to learn from, if anyone, Brad Green who I think may have been suspended once for a VERY out of character headbutt.

The hard-hitting, Johnathan Brown style intimidation is ridiculous to expect from a guy his size. Wait til he's 95-105 kegs... Then he'll be doing it in marking contests, in tackles, in bumps... and most importantly on the scoreboard. That's where it hurts the most.

Would hurt to have a second big body in there.

Draftee # 457036.... Luke.....

It is a good first post and I understand the sentiment but I disagree.

Growing this kid's confidence is the key to opening this kid's tool chest. Playing him at the most difficult position on the ground against big strong centre half backs is not yet within his reach. He has neither the body or the mind to play such a role. Giving the kid this role at this time would be detrimental for him and the team. He has not yet shown that he is capable of a contested mark under physical pressure.

Jack has shown that he is capable of finding space, his hands are great when there is a quick and clear option and his field kicking is excellent. He is learning to knock the ball to advantage and influence contests even when he can't win the ball. This is a role he is capable of and appears to be gradually building on his performances and growing in confidence each week. He makes a lot of mistakes but he is improving both his work rate and urgency.

I reckon it will become clear when and if he is ready to take the next step as a key position forward. Personally I don't think it would hurt him to spend a bit more time at Casey learning the craft but I understand the notion of acclimatising him to the pace of AFL footy.

Half the battle is getting the kid to believe he is good enough, the other half of the battle is having a mature body to compete with.

In my opinion he has already gone past the stage of going back to Casey to learn. Don't think for the position he plays and player we want him to be that he could get anything out of playing in that comp. This is not to say that if his form is really bad he shouldn't be dropped. But his form is showing continual improvement and he will only get better at his aggression & decision making with us. You can see he does 'hurt' when things dont work as he wants them too.

You can see he does 'hurt' when things dont work as he wants them too.

Exactly. After the game on Sunday you could tell that he was just [censored] off that they didn't get the win.

Also, I thought he really tried to crash some packs on Sunday. Noticed that, especially in the last quarter, he was going third man up into some ruck contests, and just trying to get his hands on the ball. Great signs. Can't wait until he gets an uninterrupted preseason.

the size of his leap to get a third man up tap at a stoppage in the last quarter was impressive. the confidence he will gain from this year will do him the world of good.

I only just had a chance to watch some of the reply of the Freo game last night. Watching the last shot at goal by Watts in the fourth, I would have backed him to kick that one from what I have seen so far, so it's a shame he couldn't slot it as it would have been a huge boost for himself and the team. He probably could have taken a little bit longer to settle and catch his breath before taking the shot, but its not like he kicked it out on the full so with time I'm sure the team would be able to rely on him to do a Michael Jordan and nail the last minute shots to win the game

Still playing basketball out there. Some pretty amazing moments of it too. But then makes too many errors when it comes to the football part. Just about everything you would expect from a young tall with supreme talent.

Agree that Watts often shows his basketball attributes when the opposition has the ball and he is looking to put pressure on his opponent with the ball. The point guard characteristic where sideways movement with the arms out, hunched over - looking to make a steal. Blah !

He does things that players his size have no right to do.

That's what will make him unique. All the other "big man" stuff will come when he gets size on his frame.

He is unique in that regard. The more games he plays the more confidence he has to get involved, lead up and create. IMO the kicking to hit up targets midfield are quite good. Efficient. One of the better kicks. It confirms for me my thoughts pre-draft in comparing him with some of the J.Hird characteristics. He can play a variety of positions; the quick handball in close. As he develops, he will adjust to the speed of the game and become cleaner in-close. He will eventually appear to have more time with the ball as the decision making quickens.

I was really disappointed for Watts yesterday. Had he slotted those 2 goals (half time siren, and 3 minutes before the end), it would have been his break-out game and everyone would've been super impressed.

However, he choked, and now the constant ignorant ridicule continues for a few more rounds.

I thought he tended to lean out to the right just before execution. Both times the ball went to the right of the goal post. Other times when watching him, he comes in straight and follows through correctly.

What i'm liking is he's getting to more and more contests and involving himself in the game. The kid's got polish and looks clutch so it was surprising yesterday but he's building his engine and work rate which will ensure he'll be a jet when his body catches up.

He'll have a massive break out game by the end of the year. I'm confident with a good preseason and miles in the legs, 2011 Jack Watts version will take a massive leap.

Totally agree with everything here with one exception. I won't mind if he doesn't have a "break out game" this year; but I'll take it happily if it occurs. It will come eventually. 2011. There you go.

The best part of Jack's game yesterday? The fact he was so [censored] off at the end of the match.

He's got the hunger.

I think this is one aspect that defines one footballer from a whole lot of others. Now that it has happened so early in his career, it may fast track in many ways his determination to get a whole lot better asap.

I think he's developing just fine.

Probably similar to Josh Kennedy in the sense that he obviously had talent, but was labelled soft and outside in his early days.

If you just look at him, it's very obvious he is still a kid, and has a kids body. When he gets a man's body (ala Frawley), he'll get a huge amount of confidence to be more physical.

He will be a great player. Just a shame he couldn't really stamp himself yesterday by winning us the game

He will be better than J.Kennedy.

I'm very happy with Jack's progress.

The glimpses I see from him are astonishing. When he starts putting them together he will be astonishing!

I think he will develop a very good engine. Already he is showing signs that he can run out games well. Agree with your thoughts.

It's a relief to finally read some rationality regarding our boy Watts. There has been way too much jumping to conclusions and unrealistic expectations thrown around our fortress of solitude here on Demonland.

Jack has all the attributes of a player unlike any other to have graced an oval field. His piercing set shot, explosive pace, clean hands and that beautiful pickup on Sunday are all testament to that. But there remains one concern...you would agree that ticking all the boxes doesn't make someone a star. I think we have all seen moments where Jack looks lost on the field, in no man's land, too far from the contest to impose himself but too close to exert pressure on a potential receiver. It is CRUCIAL that Jack is coached to play in a position that he can own and learns the ever illusive 'art of the AFL footballer'

In one game I witnessed Jack as a full forward, an on baller, a half forward and even contesting in the back 50. Each week Jack silences his critics by producing something that he is heavily criticised in the preceeding week...attack on the contest, goal sense, finding more of the footy, taking the game on, using both side of his body etc etc.

What I wanna see does not come from Jack Watts. It comes all the way from the head of the snake. I want to see Dean Bailey say - Jack...you are going to be a ten year centre half forward. Now play in the position week in week out and make it yours. I've had enough of the Daniher days of trying to make everyone a utility and ultimately resulting in a team full of players who are JACK of all trades but a master of none. Mind the pun

(PS- this is my first post- be nice)

Welcome and good first comment. I disagree, I think the positions he has played in he has learnt a hell of a lot of the requirements to date. Learning the defensive side of his game, playing around the midfield up the ground and kicking to position to create play through accurate transition is beneficial for Jack and the team. He will play up forward when required and as he gets stronger and more confident he will be able to hold this position more. A jack of all trades will provide more options and fast track development, than one that is pigeon holed for position so early in development.

There's every reason to be excited.

I think everyone is annoyed because they're not seeing the pack-marking that we all saw him do in the TAC cup. Personally I think he has that in his game, he's just under instructions at the moment, his body is underdeveloped, he's not confident enough and probably doesn't quite have the engine.

The pack marking will come when he gets stronger and more confident in taking the game by the scruff.

The Key to get the most out off Watts for the rest of 2010 is to keep the good players around him. The introduction of Jurrah, Sylvia back in, we need Bate to play more consistant footy. All the sudden we have a forward line that is looking like it can kick winning scores. If we have players that can kick goals it takes the pressure of Jack and the expectations some have that he needs to kick goals to have a good game.

You've hit the nail on the head for me. I'd love to see him crash a pack or two. I also understand that he's not ready to be bashing and crashing with the big boys just yet.

What I'd really love to see (oddly enough) is Jack get suspended for charging or high contact. Something to show the league that he's not a little boy they can push around. I know it's counter-productive, but it drives me insane that every opponent he faces sees him as an easy target and spends every moment possible pushing, shoving and generally roughing him up. It would be one of the best moments of 2010 for me (and probably a lot of other supporters) to see him flatten someone with a bump, even a head high one, just to say to the thugs of the game "I'm here to stay and I have nothing to fear from you."

His bump on Alwyn Davie in the Bombers game showed he's capable of inflicting pain when the opportunity presents. Bigger body and engine will allow for more opportunities to do so. and the grief he is getting from defenders means he'll be keen to hurt them when he can...

Jack or Nic Nat?

Join the debate

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/pick-1-jack-watts-or-nic-naitanui/story-e6frf9if-1225895412199

I wonder if Leigh Matthews still has the same opinion of Jack Watts as he did in his first game?

I wonder if Leigh Matthews still has the same opinion of Jack Watts as he did in his first game?

I wonder if anyone cares.

I wonder if Leigh Matthews still has the same opinion of Jack Watts as he did in his first game?

He probably does. We're looking at him with a microscope to find the positives. Until he beats Lethal over the heat with a 6+ goal game, he won't take aaaany notice.

I wonder if anyone cares.

i'm sure jack watts cares

Watts is pretty much holding down CHF at the moment, he's not dominating the position but he's definitely holding his own.

Not too shabby for a 19 year old.

i'm sure jack watts cares

I don't think Jack Watts does/should give two hoots what Leigh Matthews' opinion of him is.

There a quite a few names within Demonland that went very very very early into Jack......already they are either back tracking or saying absolute bugger all!!!

Silly and will be sorry.....we'll probably not sorry they'll just be in love with him then!

I don't think Jack Watts does/should give two hoots what Leigh Matthews' opinion of him is.

so players these days are that professional they don't care what the media has to say about them?

so players these days are that professional they don't care what the media has to say about them?

Indeed. Just ask Chris Judd.

I'm sure Leigh would be flattered to be labelled "the media".

There a quite a few names within Demonland that went very very very early into Jack......already they are either back tracking or saying absolute bugger all!!!

Silly and will be sorry.....we'll probably not sorry they'll just be in love with him then!

I have not been a big fan and I am not ashamed to say so. All along I have said "I hope I am wrong".

My biggest complaint was that he should have played longer at Casey however that is now history and

I will admit he has improved the last three weeks and probably now deserves his place in the team.

As to the queation of him or NN I do not know as I rarely see NN and take the opinion of other commentators.

It does appear to me that at least Jack knows what to do were as NN seems to be lost quite often.

You are right when Jack kicks 50 goals in a season I will love him!

I'm sure Leigh would be flattered to be labelled "the media".

Leigh is an afl legend,,,as far as opinions and media matter,,,he's up there...