2 more articles from Mark Stevens at Herald Sun. He has written a lot of articles about Melbourne as of late.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/time-for-jack-watts-to-cast-a-bigger-shadow-at-melbourne/story-e6frf9jf-1226010941311

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jack-watts-says-melbourne-teammate-tom-scully-will-make-right-decision/story-e6frf9jf-1226010949566

Funny how Watts now is attracting all the hype while Naitanui is being questioned in some quarters as an experiment gone wrong.

That quote just sums up the absurdity of the whole Watts vs. NikNat thing.

It certainly has gone quiet on the jack watts will he ever make it issue. I want to know where all those on demonland that were taking a crack at watts, the softness of private school footballers etc have disappeared to? One poster even had a crack at his school team (I still think one of the team must have stolen his girl or something like that). Those with chips on their shoulders should not swing axes!

Gotta love the last paragraph in the Watts article!

I think from day one it has only been be utterly stupid and impatient who have questioned the ability of either Watts or Naitanui.

Both of them will be great players, they just need time.

Does he take losses hard?

"Nah, not really," he said.

Probably not PC there Wattsy .

Probably not PC there Wattsy .

yeh that annoyed me too

don't think it's necessarily about being PC... more a case of wanting him to bleed for the club - god knows we supporters do

Don't be stupid.

He doesn't not want to win, but he just doesn't take it hard after a loss like some people do.

It says nothing about his competitiveness.

Don't be stupid.

He doesn't not want to win, but he just doesn't take it hard after a loss like some people do.

It says nothing about his competitiveness.

He's probably too busy preparing for next week's match!

Looking forward to a big year from Jack. I hated it when when Naitanui debuted and everyone was making out Jack to be a dud. Gave me some doubts but not lost faith.

But are we going to see articles on every single Melbourne players views of Scully? Going to be a long season and lots of newspaper columns to fill. Plenty of time for all of them to get a crack at it until he signs?. Can't wait for Michael Newton's contribution.

Edited February 24, 201115 yr by america de cali

Yes, I think there should have been a directive from Cameron aor Dean that said 'if you get asked about it, just give platitudes and move on quickly.'

I guess that's a hard directive to give to the group when the group contains the subject of the directive.

Yes, I think there should have been a directive from Cameron aor Dean that said 'if you get asked about it, just give platitudes and move on quickly.'

I guess that's a hard directive to give to the group when the group contains the subject of the directive.

Not really, Scully's clearly an exceptional talent with an exceptional work ethic. Not hard to praise him and then move on. It's about protecting one of your own which Scully is.

Looking forward to a big year from Jack. I hated it when when Naitanui debuted and everyone was making out Jack to be a dud. Gave me some doubts but not lost faith.

But are we going to see articles on every single Melbourne players views of Scully? Going to be a long season and lots of newspaper columns to fill. Plenty of time for all of them to get a crack at it until he signs?. Can't wait for Michael Newton's contribution.

I have so far seen comment from Watts, Maloney, Trengove, Jones, Green - all towing the same line - havent talked about it, exceptional kid, wanna play with him, make the right decision, good times ahead.

Me thinks that the club has worded up the players that when the media comes a knockin and you get asked about Tom you answer "...........

Yes, I think there should have been a directive from Cameron aor Dean that said 'if you get asked about it, just give platitudes and move on quickly.'

I guess that's a hard directive to give to the group when the group contains the subject of the directive.

ooops - just read this after posting - can you see a similarity in what all the players when asked are saying to the media ? Not pre-rehearsed ?

Mooooooooloney

It's all getting to be like a Melbourne Cup. Everyone, pundits, punters, bookies, jockeys and other runners in this case have an opinion on how the favourite will run except for the horse of course.

Edited February 24, 201115 yr by america de cali

Yes, I think there should have been a directive from Cameron or Dean that said 'if you get asked about it, just give platitudes and move on quickly.'

I guess that's a hard directive to give to the group when the group contains the subject of the directive.

At a guess, perhaps they've already discussed this as a group. Maybe it's what they want. Let the players be honest and forthcoming on their opinion of "Skulls"; share a bit of teammate love and mateship. Make him feel wanted. Reinforce the environment.

Don't be stupid.

He doesn't not want to win, but he just doesn't take it hard after a loss like some people do.

It says nothing about his competitiveness.

Agree, not on the part of others being stupid, it is opinion after all but Watts looks pained when things don't go as planned.

Thankfully he is not one to dwell or all the ridiculous expectations may have got the better of him. He is nicely placed IMO.

Agree, not on the part of others being stupid, it is opinion after all but Watts looks pained when things don't go as planned.

Thankfully he is not one to dwell or all the ridiculous expectations may have got the better of him. He is nicely placed IMO.

Agreed. There is a difference between saying you don't take losses hard and not taking losses hard.

He will have sleepless Sunday nights just like the rest of us.

ooops - just read this after posting - can you see a similarity in what all the players when asked are saying to the media ? Not pre-rehearsed ?

I think the directive would have stipulated the players not discuss it at the lengths they have.

Trengove talked to Adelaide media - could have palmed them off easily.

Watts was doing a Watts-centric piece - again, he could have palmed the questions off.

I appreciate their candidness but I think it is better not to stoke the ashes.

yeh that annoyed me too

don't think it's necessarily about being PC... more a case of wanting him to bleed for the club - god knows we supporters do

If you can play at a High Awareness rate, without the pressure of intensity, is a Bonus, that Not everyone can do. It = Strong composure

If you can do it, it works great. I think thats what he's saying, & that it works for him. If you haven't done it, then you can't possibly understand it, as it is So different. It means your brain is freeer of stress, so it can function @ a better rate.