The Matthew Watson Thread

[BAMF 4,360]

Matthew Watson is a tall defender. If he manages to slip to us I believe it would be mad to pass on him.

Here is some info I have taken from snoopdog from bigfooty.

Snoop has picked Watson at pick 13 in a bigfooty phantomdraft.

Re: 2010 Big Footy Official Phantom Draft- Trial Run

Gold Coast Suns

MATTHEW WATSON

Pick 13: Matthew Watson

DOB: 16/07/1992, Height: 194cm, Weight: 99kg

Club: Calder Cannons

GC need another tall defensive option IMO and I decided that I would pick up a more bigger bodied defender who can play on the gorrilla forwards, and Matthew Watson is that type of player. He is one of the best KPD's in the draft IMO and provides good drive coming out of defence through that wonderful left foot of his. I can see him being a ready made player and I think he will have an impact next year, I see him as a similar type of player to Michael Hurley from the Bombers in that ready made KP prospect, although Watson is probably only going to be a defender at this stage. He reads the play well and is very strong in the contest and good at getting in a fist, he is also quite good defensively on the lead but may struggle against the atheltic players with pace off the mark. Another issue IMO is how ready made he is, very similar to Darling and whether he has been dominating due to his size, and whether this will translate to AFL, but IMO I think there is enough ability there to make sure it does.

Skills wise Watson is very good, he has a lovely long left foot, that is powerful accurate and will hit most targets, he will provide a lot of drive from defence and zones will be easier to pick out, Geez GC are going to have some gun kicks in there defence with potentially Josh Toy and Trent Mckenzie all able to kick 60m as well. He also is very strong in the contests and rarely gets pushed off the ball, and he reads the play very well. He is also quite clean below his knees and is able to compete well when the ball is on the ground and is very competitive and tackles strongly. Athletically I have a few question marks on Watson, Draft Camp will be important. He appears to have reasonable pace, but may struggle with fast lead up players, and he has also got above average agility and a solid vertical leap. He is not got standout qualities like Patrick McCarthy but he does have a good slid base and no real weakness, I would like to see him improve his endurance. All in all he is very good prospect who is good defensively and also provides great rebound, there were a couple of others considered here but none had the all round package of Watson and he compliments McCarthy nicely.

[jayceebee31 761]

As I picked him as our No1 choice a few weeks ago I have kept an eye on him. Played last week as a forward and kicked 5. He has played full back normally but can play in all key positions. A standout IMO for pick 12. And you are correct in comparing him to Hurley, excepting Hurley is more athletic.

[Whispering_Jack 30,261]

And from the TAC Cup Record MATTHEW WATSON

[Keyser Söze 0]

From what I've seen of him, I really think his pace off the mark will hurt him at AFL level.

He's a big lad too at TAC cup level and it concerns me that he won't be when he makes the next step.

I thought the same of Hurley too though, to be honest.

I just really think he'll be good in his first few seasons until people realise he's not going to get much better and he'll be another Jason Cloke.

Not a fan.

[Daytona Demon 0]

Firstly, I have to say that i'm not an expert, and I have only really seen youtube clips and read a bunch of articles (like most armchair experts), but I think Watson is rated too highly at pick 13, and I also don't think he really suits out list needs.

He looks like a kid who dominates at junior level due to his size and obvious natural ability as a footballer. I'm not sure he has the athleticism or engine at this stage to make it as a topline AFL player. I could be wrong, and the Draft Combine will provide a more accurate picture. I just don't think he's 1st round material at this stage.

We already have Frawley and Garland holding down the key defensive posts (with Warnock in reserve). While those two provide good rebound at times and have pretty decent disposal, I would like to see us target a tallish and mobile player who could do a defensive job, but also be an attacking weapon from the back half.

A rebounding defender with good defensive skills, great disposal and decision making skills should be looked at, and I think the likes of McCarthy, Billie Smedts, and Dyson Heppell look to be good options at pick 12. They are the ones imo, who look really suited to AFL. They're tall, quick, mobile, smart and very good users of the ball by foot.

Edited September 4, 2010 by Daytona Demon

[tess 19]

From what I've seen of him, I really think his pace off the mark will hurt him at AFL level.

He's a big lad too at TAC cup level and it concerns me that he won't be when he makes the next step.

I thought the same of Hurley too though, to be honest.

I just really think he'll be good in his first few seasons until people realise he's not going to get much better and he'll be another Jason Cloke.

Not a fan.

You dont know what you are talking about.

Watson's ability to size up and consistenly hit 50 metre targets in dangerous positions will be a massive weapon at the highest level.

[jayceebee31 761]

From what I've seen of him, I really think his pace off the mark will hurt him at AFL level.

He's a big lad too at TAC cup level and it concerns me that he won't be when he makes the next step.

I thought the same of Hurley too though, to be honest.

I just really think he'll be good in his first few seasons until people realise he's not going to get much better and he'll be another Jason Cloke.

Not a fan.

OK- WHO DO YOU SUGGEST WILL BE INTHE RUNNING FOR PICK 12?.

[jabberwocky 2,301]

Agree with JCB, he would be a big chance to go around our first pick. Very smart and capable big man. From the little I have seen of him he moves like Chris Grant.

Edited September 9, 2010 by dandeeman

[e25 5]

Gotta say, he is pretty impressive, but I think he looks slow too.

His draft combine results will tell a story.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Firstly, I have to say that i'm not an expert, and I have only really seen youtube clips and read a bunch of articles (like most armchair experts), but I think Watson is rated too highly at pick 13, and I also don't think he really suits out list needs.

He looks like a kid who dominates at junior level due to his size and obvious natural ability as a footballer. I'm not sure he has the athleticism or engine at this stage to make it as a topline AFL player. I could be wrong, and the Draft Combine will provide a more accurate picture. I just don't think he's 1st round material at this stage.

We already have Frawley and Garland holding down the key defensive posts (with Warnock in reserve). While those two provide good rebound at times and have pretty decent disposal, I would like to see us target a tallish and mobile player who could do a defensive job, but also be an attacking weapon from the back half.

A rebounding defender with good defensive skills, great disposal and decision making skills should be looked at, and I think the likes of McCarthy, Billie Smedts, and Dyson Heppell look to be good options at pick 12. They are the ones imo, who look really suited to AFL. They're tall, quick, mobile, smart and very good users of the ball by foot.

From the Video footage that I saw, his best work was done after winning the footy & breaking away to space, then used the ball beautifully to advantage. Seemed cool under pressure with the pill.

That size he has & strength would be a major offensive advantage in attack when forward, as well as he looks to be intelligent, a thinker...

[sylvinator 96]

very impressive highlights.

I can imagine him becoming a really good afl player.

Reminds me a little bit of Sam Gilbert actually.

I know we're not in desparate need of key defenders, but if Warnock leaves, it could be good to have another good one developing in the wings

[Red Sox 2]

Gotta say, he is pretty impressive, but I think he looks slow too.

His draft combine results will tell a story.

You just wanted to use the term, draft combine B)

Looks ok this kid. I like his upright posture, seems to have plenty of time.

Potential at both ends is a positive.

Edited September 14, 2010 by Demon Hill

[Guest Mr Untouchable]

Positives

Reads the play well.

Nice left foot kick.

Smart footballer.

Negative

Speed off the mark is not so great (but they said the same thing about Hurley).

[dee-luded 2,959]

very impressive highlights.

I can imagine him becoming a really good afl player.

Reminds me a little bit of Sam Gilbert actually.

I know we're not in desparate need of key defenders, but if Warnock leaves, it could be good to have another good one developing in the wings

IMO Rivers or Warnock are not premiership class defenders.

I think many supporters are overestimating our current defence.

[e25 5]

I think many supporters are overestimating Matthew Watson.

[dee-luded 2,959]

I think many supporters are overestimating Matthew Watson.

You might be right, its hard to say, but most clubs grow through the draft with young talent. We certainly do need Talls, I think you'd agree.

Especially the ones that can play forward or Back.

[Daz's Dee's 113]

Reminds me of a better version Leigh Brown from Collingwood. Too Slow but looks a player that will get the most out of what he has. KPP back or Forward, if he has the runners around him and can take those big contested marks could be our big Power forward and or KPP backman if any of our other forward prospects turn out in the coming years. He would be on the radar and worth a thought IMO.

[tess 19]

Reminds me of a better version Leigh Brown from Collingwood. Too Slow but looks a player that will get the most out of what he has. KPP back or Forward, if he has the runners around him and can take those big contested marks could be our big Power forward and or KPP backman if any of our other forward prospects turn out in the coming years. He would be on the radar and worth a thought IMO.

Have you seen him play forward?

[e25 5]

I imagine up forward he would get none of the footy because he is too slow and would be easily covered.

[mdemonski2 403]

I imagine up forward he would get none of the footy because he is too slow and would be easily covered.

Well watson Is playing full forward in tac cup grand final tomorrow so it will be interesting to see how he goes..

[DeeMfc 621]

Emma Quayle's view on Matthew Watson + some combine results.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/picks-of-the-draft-matthew-watson-20101108-17ki6.html

Not as slow as some of us thought...

Also had the highest skin folds at the combine, meaning with a good preseason or 2 he'd improve even further.

He could fill the big forward void from day one and be a very handy backman to boot.

I think he will go earlier than most think.

[hrob 2]

this guy seems very interesting, don't know a lor other than mates who have played against him n say he is incredibly big, i think BP will definately have a good look at him for our 1st pick

[Summer Blease 0]

And if it means stealing him away from Carlton, all the better.

[Freddy Fuschia 744]

If you have your eye on a good young tall who can play both back and forward then Pat McCarthy is a better bet.

[jayceebee31 761]

If you have your eye on a good young tall who can play both back and forward then Pat McCarthy is a better bet.

I do not agree-Watson is a far better defender.