The Key forward.

[Guest Gotzy15]

Heres an interesting one for you to ponder. Obviously were still lacking that key forward right now that can take contested marks, present up the ground, bring the ball to ground and kick a bag of goals on a good day.

-Jamar is needed at least 75% in the ruck and is not ever going to be a permanent forward in my opinion.

-Wattsy is never going to be that player, he'll be a tall winger/half forward at best in the Cale Morton mould.

-I think Lucas Cook is showing great signs in the VFL atm as well as on the training track but hes still probably at least 3-4 years away from having a big impact.

I was wondering if this suggestion has any merit. Could you see any of either Rivers, Garland or Frawley stepping up to play that role and would it be worth the punt?I know footys different now but Wayne Carey, David Neitz, Matthew Pavlich and Chris Tarrant have all had success at both ends of the ground???

[Pipefitter 2,173]

Garland is the only one i know of who played a bit as a forward as a junior, but def robbing peter to play paul there.

[Deetective Sgt. Taggert 389]

I'm certain Cam Schwab tweeted that Garland could be a possible future forward option early last year following a loss when we were struggling to find a target up forward

Edited April 19, 2011 by Ascobar

[jayceebee31 761]

I'm certain Cam Schwab tweeted that Garland could be a possible future forward option early last year following a loss when we were struggling to find a target up forward

He'd make a better winger though. We may have to try out Newton again and if he does not succeed,take a punt and go with Fevola.

[biggestred 5,148]

Fevola! Woooooooooooooo pressure point pressure point

[franga 1]

We saw how Neitz dramatically improved as a forward after a stint in defence. I would seriously consider Watts at CHB at least for some game time this season. It may just be the confidence tonic he needs

[Chicken Deelicious 0]

Max Gawn. When he has developed a bit further, I would suspect he will play forward. I still think that Watts is on track to be a great player for us, and see him being CHF

[Disco Demons 92]

we need two key forwards

[Deetective Sgt. Taggert 389]

We saw how Neitz dramatically improved as a forward after a stint in defence. I would seriously consider Watts at CHB at least for some game time this season. It may just be the confidence tonic he needs

Not wanting to perpetuate the annoying comparisons but hasn't Hurley spent some time as a Defender?

[dazzledavey36 55,390]

hurley was an all australian defender at under 18s level

[Strawbs 1]

We saw how Neitz dramatically improved as a forward after a stint in defence. I would seriously consider Watts at CHB at least for some game time this season. It may just be the confidence tonic he needs

Absolutely agree Franga. I think Jack has the smarts to play in defence. Let him run straight ahead and use his vision and quality disposal to set up play rather than trying to be the focal point up forward. It might help him learn to read the play better and get a better appreciation for the intensity needed to play as a hard-working forward at the top level. It would be interesting seeing him swap roles with Garland for a while.

[leehow 303]

its interesting how you say jack watts will never be a key forward, but you are happy for lucas cook to take at least 3-4 years to develop. dont you think we should be giving jack 3-4 years to develop? just as the club said when they drafted him.

jack has shown some good signs at times, he is yet to show us he can be a dominant key forward, but dont you think you should wait a couple of years until he is fully developed to write him off?

[Demon Disciple 12,285]

Sure he showed some signs, but Jack Riewoldt didn't really announce himself until last year, similar to Frawley. That's in their 4th year of footy and both had bodies more ready for AFL footy. Watts was a year younger when drafted. Going by that logic, i wouldn't expect him to really come on until his 5th year of footy, aka 2013.

Sure most MFC supporters are getting tired and frustrated that Watts hasn't shown anything yet, i don't give a stuff what the outside world thinks (their viewpoint is mute, as far as i'm concerned). Similar to the dreaded 'p' word (potential), what is needed with young Jack is patience. He will reward us eventually, when his body is ready to consistently stand up to AFL footy. We all can't be Chip Frawley's, Hurley's and Tapscott's, the moment we walk into a footy club. They are genetic freaks, in terms of young body size. Watts, like Cook, first need to grow into their bodies, then learn how to use them. Have no fear, both will be ready when the MFC aim to have several serious cracks at our elusive 13th, maybe even 14th!!!

[Felix 92]

Sure he showed some signs, but Jack Riewoldt didn't really announce himself until last year, similar to Frawley. That's in their 4th year of footy and both had bodies more ready for AFL footy. Watts was a year younger when drafted. Going by that logic, i wouldn't expect him to really come on until his 5th year of footy, aka 2013.

Sure most MFC supporters are getting tired and frustrated that Watts hasn't shown anything yet, i don't give a stuff what the outside world thinks (their viewpoint is mute, as far as i'm concerned). Similar to the dreaded 'p' word (potential), what is needed with young Jack is patience. He will reward us eventually, when his body is ready to consistently stand up to AFL footy. We all can't be Chip Frawley's, Hurley's and Tapscott's, the moment we walk into a footy club. They are genetic freaks, in terms of young body size. Watts, like Cook, first need to grow into their bodies, then learn how to use them. Have no fear, both will be ready when the MFC aim to have several serious cracks at our elusive 13th, maybe even 14th!!!

there is no place for logic and reason on a forum.. they are the unwritten rules!!!

[John Dee 445]

I saw John Butcher playing in the Adelaide competition a week or so ago; in the ABC VFL coverage.

How about we trade for him.

[e25 5]

Still baffled as to why my posts were removed.

They were succint, to the point and played the ball, not the man.

Edited April 20, 2011 by The 3rd Winkelvoss Twin

[Felix 92]

Still baffled as to why my posts were removed.

They were succint, to the point and played the ball, not the man.

Once again, the OP is ill-informed and there is a general ignorance in this thread.

That's fair to say.

the OP has a vendetta against Jack Watts hence the thread.

[Rogue 585]

the OP has a vendetta against Jack Watts hence the thread.

A vendetta? That's a bit strong.

Anyhow, I don't think any of Garland, Riv or Frawley will play forward. There's the whole 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' issue, and the fact that I'm not sure any of them would be much chop as a full-time forward. Garland's perhaps the most likely, but I'm not sure he'd be playing a strong KPF type and I like him down back anyway.

[Felix 92]

A vendetta? That's a bit strong.

Read his/her comments on Jack Watts in other threads and you will see where i am coming form.

[MrMuSiC 4]

Green full forward - nice way to see out his time.

Marks & kicks as well as anyone (except last week!!)

[The Great One 99 125]

What about that other guy? Whats his name....Jurrah or something? is he any good?

[Steamin Demon 392]

What annoys me is that people pigeon hole Watts as a lead up forward/winger. The guy has shown this year he can take strong contested mark, Once the body/mind click LOOK OUT !!

Edited April 20, 2011 by Steamin Demon

[The Great One 99 125]

What annoys me is that people pigeon hole Watts as a lead up forward/winger. The guy has shown this year he can take strong contested mark, Once the body/mind click LOOK OUT !!

Thats right, I remember that mark.

Edited April 20, 2011 by The Great One 99

[Steamin Demon 392]

Thats right, I remember that mark.

The one against Hawthorn or the mark over Jamar on the wing against GC?? Roll the eyes all you like the kid will be a power forward.

[The Great One 99 125]

The one against Hawthorn or the mark over Jamar on the wing against GC?? Roll the eyes all you like the kid will be a power forward.

I am a believer that Jack will be a star for the club. Perhaps even more than most. But it is a bit premature to be saying that he can take a strong pack mark. I have not seen much of that, yet.