honestly, I think Jack Watts is one of the biggest Keys to MFCs future going forward.

I can see with him dominating games, he could push the dees forward and play an Adam Goodes or Franklin type role.

If he never does dominate, i can see the Demons struggling for another decade.

He wasn't too timid for three months last year...

He has got work to do, but 2011 was better than 2010 and we will see what 2012 brings.

We watch football differently. He's never not been timid.

We watch football differently. He's never not been timid.

Only Sith talk in absolutes...

He took his fair share of encouraging contested marks.

Timidity is found in all of us, especially when people are looking for it, and willing to ignore any evidence to the contrary.

Only Sith talk in absolutes...

He took his fair share of encouraging contested marks.

Timidity is found in all of us, especially when people are looking for it, and willing to ignore any evidence to the contrary.

i wouldn't say half a dozen to a dozen contested marks for a season is a fair share...

i wouldn't say half a dozen to a dozen contested marks for a season is a fair share...

According to the AFL stats site; Watts took 26 contested marks out of 124 marks last season. Darling took 29 contested marks out of 103.

Travis Cloke took 95 out of 198, the next best was Podsiadly at 57 out of 130.

Watts was second to Green at the MFC who had 29.

In averages; Howe (1.8 a game), MacDonald (1.6), Green (1.4), and Watts (1.2).

Read into that which you will.

Only Sith talk in absolutes...

He took his fair share of encouraging contested marks.

Timidity is found in all of us, especially when people are looking for it, and willing to ignore any evidence to the contrary.

I like to consider myself fair and balanced when I watch footy and I've never had a predisposed bias against one of my own players. But I also don't incessantly make excuses for them, especially when my eyes are detailing a different story. I've gone to Casey and watched him play a half in the Scorpions seconds side. I didn't do it hoping to see him perform poorly. I went to TD to see him play for Vic Metro. I didn't do it because I wasn't interested in drafting him. If I had a bias it favoured him.

As stated, Watts has poor physicality for a potential key forward and I've never ever seen a key forward 'star' of the game that started out with such a lack of presence, or such a preference for limited body contact. Do you want a star key forward, or have you lowered your expectations ? Maybe you'll give a cliche and say that as long as he contributes to the next flag you'll be happy.

Perhaps you believe that it can be rectified. I reckon you're pissing into the wind. And it's not to say that I think Watts won't be a good player, because I do, but at the moment I don't see a star key forward. The toughest position on the ground is as a key forward. No other area of the ground is as physically testing, or demands as much courage. It's not an easy gig and it doesn't come naturally to Watts. Watts has more talent than Hurley, but Hurley has a completely different disposition to Watts. Hurley craves the opportunity to bust a pack, to bring the ball to ground, to hurt a defender, to throw his weight around. And he craved it as a 19 year old.

I have no doubt that a year as a key defender would be best for Watts' development and is his best chance to learn how to play the position. Garry Lyon spent time down back, Neitz did, Hurley has, Alistair Lynch did, so too Fraser Gehrig, Barry Hall started as a defender, plenty of players learnt their forward-line craft as a defender. Jason Dunstall started as a back pocket. It doesn't seem like Neeld will give Watts that opportunity, but it would fast track his development.

Watts will take the odd good contested mark in the forward-line this year to the jubilation of supporters. I can hear them crowing now. Take that all you Watts knockers !! But he won't do it consistently and it won't make him a key position 'star'.

I know you'll respond, but unless the content is new I'll leave it be. It seems like it's another case of 'agreeing to differ'.

I know you'll respond, but unless the content is new I'll leave it be. It seems like it's another case of 'agreeing to differ'.

Is this Hanniball?

I have no idea what 'we are agreeing to differ' on?

The only point I am making in this pre-season is that Watts has been given little credit for a 2011 that was better than I thought it would be, and far better than the pundits, who are now tearing him apart, thought it would be.

I don't like the short-term memory loss and the waste of internet space.

Watts is nothing but potential at this stage, but that is Melbourne: we are nothing...but potential.

I don't know what he will become but if he continues to progress the way he did last year then I think we will find other players to fret about.

Was anything in that 'new'?

I never can tell, what with the circles that Land has gone through with regard to Watts over the last 12 months...

I have no idea what 'we are agreeing to differ' on?

Was anything in that 'new'?

I never can tell, what with the circles that Land has gone through with regard to Watts over the last 12 months...

You said that Watts "wasn't timid for 3 months last year". That's where we "agree to differ". You view his performances in a certain light and I view them in another. Even when Watts has good games he doesn't expose himself to certain situations on the footy field. He plays to his limitations, or you could argue he plays to his strengths, but some of those limitations are important limitations when assessing the contributions of a key forward.

I'm Ben-Hur, although I may soon turn up with a photo of the King of Cool as my avatar, which is a little strange. I assume you know who is the King of Cool ? (no need to answer )

And no. There was nothing new.

Why don't we all get off the kids back.

He did not bestow no.1 status on himself, the MFC did.

I seriously doubt he will live up to the No.1 status but he shows signs of being a good player for the MFC.

Can we just let him get on with it and see how he turns out please.

BH and Rpfc

Thanks for some interesting discussion

I agree to agree and disagree with you both also

I thought Watts displayed some terrific courage in that first Collingwood game when he was pummelled by the three blokes contesting. and I have seen him display plenty of courage in contested marking . As others have said I dont think he is ever going to comfortable when a ball is dropped down on him(who is) and I dont see him thrusting and imposing as Buddy or Brown and maybe even Clark. So yes BH he does look uncomfortable with that physical demand of the game BUt I do think others se,e he does have presence.

Watts speed and atheliticism are his strengths and it will be good to see how the coach and team will exploit them.

I go back a bit and remember Bernie Quinlan as a boy footballer who was known by his opponents as "footsteps" .A cuff under the ear gave you a decided edge when playing against him. He was even as a junior a magnificent player with great speed and athleticism, (I played basketball with him not footy) and he did develop into a pretty useful player (footy).

.

I do think that the potential as a forward needs to be developed first as Rpfc always points out he is only 20

I wasnt aware of the history of forwards who had spent time in defence and thank you for that advice. Was that at senior level or in reserves? and at what stage of their career.

The game and particularly its structures and strategies have changed I would rather exploit Jacks strengths now and let him develop others if required.

Using what you have and improving with it is the journey we have with Jack

BH you the man.

Obviosuly I couldn't agree more.

Nitpicking at his ability to take a few contested marks and the 'three months of last year' is not proving that Jack is courageous

and that he is not a timid player.

There would be no need for constant discussion upon such an issue if people would view the situation in a non bias light. Try and judge him as a

player from a football enthusiasts view. Not a die hard Melbourne supporter's extremely protective and shallow view.

It's like Richard Dawkins arguing with Christians on here.

Would NICNAT be better than WATTS?

Even though we have Jamar and Martin .

Correct answer :No.

Discussion closed .

Would NICNAT be better than WATTS?

Even though we have Jamar and Martin .

Correct answer :No.

Discussion closed .

We can't discuss Watts' development because of Naitanui ? Do they always have to be linked ? If I had pick one again I wouldn't draft either.

Btw, I remember Ray Biffin and he was as tough as nails. He'd be far tougher on our players than you.

Sick of this topic in general. When has another 20 year old (kid) been media bashed like this? It's a disgrace!

This guy will be a very good footballer in 2- 3 years. He played some very good games last year and I expect him to take another step forward this season.

Be patient and don't read into the "bashing" too much because he will eventually prove his "bashers" wrong.

I am not worried about Watts. I think he was the obvious pick at the time, and we picked him. Hurley's definitely in front now, but I reckon Watts will be a very good servant for this club in the years to come.

I just cannot believe the club didn't even speak to Dustin Martin. Now, that was an error.

We can't discuss Watts' development because of Naitanui ? Do they always have to be linked ? If I had pick one again I wouldn't draft either.

Btw, I remember Ray Biffin and he was as tough as nails. He'd be far tougher on our players than you.

Nic Nat was the other clear candidate for that year -which is why they are linked .

BH you the man.

Obviosuly I couldn't agree more.

Nitpicking at his ability to take a few contested marks and the 'three months of last year' is not proving that Jack is courageous

and that he is not a timid player.

There would be no need for constant discussion upon such an issue if people would view the situation in a non bias light. Try and judge him as a

player from a football enthusiasts view. Not a die hard Melbourne supporter's extremely protective and shallow view.

It's like Richard Dawkins arguing with Christians on here.

Leave the religion stuff to the general board, stmj...

It was a strong three months that many didn't see coming, and I was encouraged by the 26 contested marks he took last year.

That is the extent of it.

If WCE supporters can talk themselves into a lather about Darling's 29 contested marks, I can mention the improvement of Jack Watts from 6 CMs in 2010 to 26 in 2011.

Leave the religion stuff to the general board, stmj...

It was a strong three months that many didn't see coming, and I was encouraged by the 26 contested marks he took last year.

That is the extent of it.

If WCE supporters can talk themselves into a lather about Darling's 29 contested marks, I can mention the improvement of Jack Watts from 6 CMs in 2010 to 26 in 2011.

There are contested marks and contested marks. Watts is too talented not to take some contested marks. But many contested marks don't require much physicality and these are the ones that Jack will usually excel at. He needs to learn to run to the right spots as well as becoming a presence in the forward-line.

I watched Israel Folau take 4 contested marks against the Hawks a couple of weeks ago, but he doesn't excite me as a footballer.

Why do MFC keep adding to the media spotlight this guy is living under?! I'd be feeling pretty confused if I was JW.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/131238/default.aspx

Why do MFC keep adding to the media spotlight this guy is living under?! I'd be feeling pretty confused if I was JW.

http://www.melbourne...38/default.aspx

It's not the MFC any media conference is usually covered by the AFL and any club related article on the AFL website also goes onto that clubs website. The media love to talk about Jack Watts every interview recently he is brought up. There are a number of players that will be considered for round 1 but we aren't going to commit to selecting them 9 days out. It wouldn't supprise me if Jack gets a run with Casey on Saturday night.

I must watch footy differently to everyone else.

He's not what we thought we were drafting.

He's not what YOU thought we were drafting. Big difference.

He's not what YOU thought we were drafting. Big difference.

No, he's not what the MFC hoped they were drafting.

I know that 26 disposals and a couple of goals from a wing/half forward will excite nearly every Melbourne supporter. I also know that if I criticize my own, especially Watts, I'll have others think ill of me. He was drafted as a key forward and right now he's nowhere near it. He's a mile off. He just doesn't play that way. And if you took the effort to go to Cranbourne you'd see that. Or perhaps not. You'd probably see a tall, classy player that did some nice things and walk away really happy.

As I said, I watch footy differently to most of you.

I must watch footy differently to everyone else.

I found Watts disappointing. He's a 196cm outside mid. We know that he's classy when the ball is free and wide, but he didn't do any key position stuff tonight. Yes, I know he played off a wing, yes he did some nice goal assists, but he had plenty of opportunities to impact marking contests, but he still spectates. So many Melbourne supporters are beguiled by some skill, but they're clearly easily pleased. The guy is entering his 4th year and isn't a key forward. He's not what we thought we were drafting. He may become a key forward, but he's not even close right now. Just keeping it real people.

These comments about Jack have a sense of deja-vu about them, Ben-Hur.

I'm wondering if your opinion is just a little too subjective.

As the coach has said, why people are concerned about a 20 yr old who has played 40 games, he's not quite sure...

2 Goals, 26 possessions (that's 26 ...) and named in the best. Think I could live with that.

There's only one Jack Watts. If he becomes the first 196 cm small forward, so be it. So much of the criticism of him comes from expectations of what he should be. Perhaps we should just give him a chance to be what he is.

OMG, some sense being stated. As long as he improves and continues to learn, I, too, will be happy.

2 Goals, 26 possessions (that's 26 ...) and named in the best. Think I could live with that.

There's only one Jack Watts. If he becomes the first 196 cm small forward, so be it. So much of the criticism of him comes from expectations of what he should be. Perhaps we should just give him a chance to be what he is.

Perhaps the most insightful comment that I have ever read regarding Watts.