Jack Watts Thread

[Still Waiting 94]

Watts is a lovely young fella. He needs to decide which sport he WANTS to go hard at! He could have set himself up for life, but................................

[Bossdog 2,002]

I agree with what David King said in his analysis and playbacks of where Watts positioned himself during the game.

If your refering to "Insider"....I have often watch this show and I find David Kings analisis misleading......He points out that players should have been in one position.....but for the bounce of the ball going the other way he would be saying the opposite ....It's so easy in hindsight....and I find he is not the expert he thinks he is........

[FC Melbourne 108]

Wasn't one of the press reports having Watt's as responsible for Zaharakis?

[Go the Biff 3,442]

Wasn't one of the press reports having Watt's as responsible for Zaharakis?

Watts went to him after Zaharakis had been killing us. Quietened him down for a while but he did get off the chain again later.

[Satyriconhome 10,879]

The Police have issued the following report

Jack Watts - age 22, easily recognisable by a beard (which supporters absolutely hate, but they think it looks cool on Mumford and Sons, and yet they are both supposedly in the entertainment business)

Been under incredible media scrutiny since the age of 17, yet despite being reportedly soft, has not taken the Nathan Ablett route and walked away.

At the moment has finally grown into a man, rather than the slender frame that was thrown illadvisedly to the wolves too early

At the moment he is playing in a team that as a whole is lacking in confidence, and even though he was reportely ill last Saturday went on to the field to do battle, perhaps this was an error, but if he had pulled out at such a critical time for the Club what would the response have been

Has skills that some players could only dream of, but when he stands to the side of a contest and the ball comes his way and he distributes with a beautiful kick, the supporters will only criticise him not going to get it in the first place

May or may not evenually become the player we all want him to be, but to do that he needs support, as with the rest of the team

As far as the Police know, he hasn't killed anybody

[baysidedave 246]

The Police have issued the following report

Jack Watts - age 22, easily recognisable by a beard (which supporters absolutely hate, but they think it looks cool on Mumford and Sons, and yet they are both supposedly in the entertainment business)

Been under incredible media scrutiny since the age of 17, yet despite being reportedly soft, has not taken the Nathan Ablett route and walked away.

At the moment has finally grown into a man, rather than the slender frame that was thrown illadvisedly to the wolves too early

At the moment he is playing in a team that as a whole is lacking in confidence, and even though he was reportely ill last Saturday went on to the field to do battle, perhaps this was an error, but if he had pulled out at such a critical time for the Club what would the response have been

Has skills that some players could only dream of, but when he stands to the side of a contest and the ball comes his way and he distributes with a beautiful kick, the supporters will only criticise him not going to get it in the first place

May or may not evenually become the player we all want him to be, but to do that he needs support, as with the rest of the team

As far as the Police know, he hasn't killed anybody

here, here, everyone and his dog get on Jack's back, now it's his own supporters giving it to him, l wonder why he plays with no confidence when his own supporters boo him if he doesn't win every ball that comes his way. The media, opposition supporters and now you lot, you should be bloody ashmed of yourself the lot of you, scumbag demon supporters!!!!! never thought l'd see the day.

[Geddy Lee 582]

Considering he was one of the best young talents the country had seen on the basketball court, I'd walk away.

He was a shoe-in to get a place on a college team apparently and probably would've made NBA.

Instead he comes to play at this rabble and gets questioned by every AFL supporter because he got drafted before a freak.

If I was Watts, I'd leave the game.

He might gain some confidence watching Westoff from Port, who hasn't got a kick in 5 years and is now having a break out year.

Hahahaha . . . Nooooo.

[rpfc 28,779]

Agree with this 100%

This is a Player group/coach problem.They do not believe in Neeld's gameplan.

Neeld has taken our club back 3 years and this team will not improve 1% until he is sacked,in fact we are going further backwards by the week,most people can see this.

JT had a great first year and has gone so far backwards under Neeld,he has stunted his growth and he is shot mentally,same goes for Chip.

I don't know who our new coach should be but our last 5 coaches have been first time coaches but first time coaches have worked at other clubs like Clarkson,Scott brothers,Bomber,Longmire and Sheedy,Matthews,Eade and Roos won't take us on so there isn't much choice.

Drawing a long bow there.

The players are out of form, bereft of confidence, and look like they have no idea what to do out there but that doesn't mean that their development goes backwards or that they are 'mentally shot' (whatever that means and entails).

[Grand New Flag 3,227]

How is Neeld the problem, better yet HOW do you know Neeld is the problem?

Are you serious?

Could it be the fact that virtually all our players have gone backwards since his appointment?

Could it be we went from a team who had won 8.5 games in the previous two seasons to a team that effectively won just one game last years (not counting new franchises) and could well go winless this season?

Could it be the stampede of our better players desperate to leave the club at the end of last season. These included a life long Melbourne supporter in Moloney?

Could it be the complete failure of Neeld to develop any of our early draft picks in the 18 months he has been the HEAD coach?

Could it be the complete lack of a visible game plan, or the complete failure to instill the defensive pressure Neeld himself identified as a major weakness?

Or could it be the failure to create a game plan the suits the young players on our list rather than trying to install an old Collingwood game plan that required big forwards and big bodies mid-fielders, a game plan that is superseded and all teams understand and know how to defeat.

Perhaps its the complete lack of confidence and the loss of the natural flare of our players.

Perhaps its the complete failure to being able to get the best out of his players (the primary responsibility of any coach), the complete failure to inspire get the players up to play for the gurnsey.

Then again Neelds recruiting was great (not). Lets trade out young early draft picks for 30yo has beens who can't even cement a place in the worst team since the dying days of Fitzroy.

Perhaps we should look at the form of some of the players we delisted like and, Pettard, Martin. They look a hell of a lot better than the duds we picked up.

Maybe I feel its Neelds fault because we were just beaten by 148 points with just 35 tackles!!!!!!!!!! 50 less tackles than 186.

Perhaps it was the poor treatment of our senior players in 2012, the sacking of Green as Captain, the sacking of Maloney and Rivers from the leadership group and installing players with less than 30 games experience as captains!!!!! (No disrespect intended to these boys). Not surprisingly all these players have run to the exit.

Whatever the case, responsibility for these things falls to the head coach.

NEELD MUST GO NEXT!!! He is a DUD. He should resign in shame.

He is the worst mistake our club has made since sacking Norm Smith…….. and to think we could have held out and made a play for Malthouse or Roos.

[Satyriconhome 10,879]

Are you serious?

Could it be the fact that virtually all our players have gone backwards since his appointment?

Could it be we went from a team who had won 8.5 games in the previous two seasons to a team that effectively won just one game last years (not counting new franchises) and could well go winless this season?

Could it be the stampede of our better players desperate to leave the club at the end of last season. These included a life long Melbourne supporter in Moloney?

Could it be the complete failure of Neeld to develop any of our early draft picks in the 18 months he has been the HEAD coach?

Could it be the complete lack of a visible game plan, or the complete failure to instill the defensive pressure Neeld himself identified as a major weakness?

Or could it be the failure to create a game plan the suits the young players on our list rather than trying to install an old Collingwood game plan that required big forwards and big bodies mid-fielders, a game plan that is superseded and all teams understand and know how to defeat.

Perhaps its the complete lack of confidence and the loss of the natural flare of our players.

Perhaps its the complete failure to being able to get the best out of his players (the primary responsibility of any coach), the complete failure to inspire get the players up to play for the gurnsey.

Then again Neelds recruiting was great (not). Lets trade out young early draft picks for 30yo has beens who can't even cement a place in the worst team since the dying days of Fitzroy.

Perhaps we should look at the form of some of the players we delisted like and, Pettard, Martin. They look a hell of a lot better than the duds we picked up.

Maybe I feel its Neelds fault because we were just beaten by 148 points with just 35 tackles!!!!!!!!!! 50 less tackles than 186.

Perhaps it was the poor treatment of our senior players in 2012, the sacking of Green as Captain, the sacking of Maloney and Rivers from the leadership group and installing players with less than 30 games experience as captains!!!!! (No disrespect intended to these boys). Not surprisingly all these players have run to the exit.

Whatever the case, responsibility for these things falls to the head coach.

NEELD MUST GO NEXT!!! He is a DUD. He should resign in shame.

He is the worst mistake our club has made since sacking Norm Smith…….. and to think we could have held out and made a play for Malthouse or Roos.

We couldn;t afford Malthouse or Roos...........get over it.....who ran to the exit......wow how very dramatic.......some were delisted...some left on free agency....hang on that happened with the other 17 teams didn't it.....no of course it didn't....I don't know whether Neeld is the problem, I have watched training many times, players don't seem to have a problem with him........er Tom McDonald developed really well last season, Nathan Jones took a step up as well, so did Jerermy Howe....oh sorry that ruins you argument, forget that.............none of us have any idea what the problem is at the moment....get back on topic this is about Jack Watts

[Grand New Flag 3,227]

We couldn;t afford Malthouse or Roos...........get over it.....who ran to the exit......wow how very dramatic.......some were delisted...some left on free agency....hang on that happened with the other 17 teams didn't it.....no of course it didn't....I don't know whether Neeld is the problem, I have watched training many times, players don't seem to have a problem with him........er Tom McDonald developed really well last season, Nathan Jones took a step up as well, so did Jerermy Howe....oh sorry that ruins you argument, forget that.............none of us have any idea what the problem is at the moment....get back on topic this is about Jack Watts

What rubbish. So 3 of our young up and coming players took a step forward while the other 39 went sideways or backwards. Most went backwards.

No disrespect mate, but the performance of the team is ultimately the responsibility of the head coach. The head coaches primary responsibility is to get the most out of his players. You can't argue this or the failure of Neeld to achieve this.

If we do not fix this mess up quickly and install a respected, experianced coach quickly we will have a run on our players like you could never imagine come season end.

As for your comment that we could not afford Malthouse or Roos, rubbish. It would have cost a whole lot less that the mess we have found ourselves in for selecting some untried gala who has tried to stamp authority on the club by tearing apart the playing group. Retired off our experienced players and club heros and then insulted them by recruiting not has good equally aged has beens from other clubs!!!!

The extra sponsorship and interest in the club with a top line coach like Roos or Multhouse would almost pay the extra cost by itself. Further don't tell me we would have lost by 148 points if either of these two were coaching. At worst we would be competitive. The selection committee made a horrible mistake. This was part of the reason why Schwab was sacked, he was on the selection committee.

We must clear Neeld out quickly and efficiently. I pray (and I am not religious) that the board in conjunction with the AFL are putting together a transition plan as we speak and this plan will be executed in the coming weeks. I trust the board is doing this.

Simply if we want to keep Watts, Frawley etc at seasons end, we must dump Neeld and replace him with experience and quality early in the season.

[rpfc 28,779]

We must clear Neeld out quickly and efficiently. .

I agree that Neeld is failing at his chosen profession, but I don't understand this.

What is going to happen that is so terrible by waiting a while longer?

We will have a caretaker coach whether we fire him in a fortnight or in 3 months time.

The big decision will be, if Neeld cannot turn things around, is who we get in September/October.

Neeld has time...in footy terms.

[Rod Grinter Riot Squad 5,654]

We couldn;t afford Malthouse or Roos.......

Not sure about this line, as I thought we offered Clarkeson a 5 year, $5million deal.

Think we could afford them, bur neither were keen (or able) to coach last year.

[Satyriconhome 10,879]

What rubbish. So 3 of our young up and coming players took a step forward while the other 39 went sideways or backwards. Most went backwards.

No disrespect mate, but the performance of the team is ultimately the responsibility of the head coach. The head coaches primary responsibility is to get the most out of his players. You can't argue this or the failure of Neeld to achieve this.

If we do not fix this mess up quickly and install a respected, experianced coach quickly we will have a run on our players like you could never imagine come season end.

As for your comment that we could not afford Malthouse or Roos, rubbish. It would have cost a whole lot less that the mess we have found ourselves in for selecting some untried gala who has tried to stamp authority on the club by tearing apart the playing group. Retired off our experienced players and club heros and then insulted them by recruiting not has good equally aged has beens from other clubs!!!!

The extra sponsorship and interest in the club with a top line coach like Roos or Multhouse would almost pay the extra cost by itself. Further don't tell me we would have lost by 148 points if either of these two were coaching. At worst we would be competitive. The selection committee made a horrible mistake. This was part of the reason why Schwab was sacked, he was on the selection committee.

We must clear Neeld out quickly and efficiently. I pray (and I am not religious) that the board in conjunction with the AFL are putting together a transition plan as we speak and this plan will be executed in the coming weeks. I trust the board is doing this.

Simply if we want to keep Watts, Frawley etc at seasons end, we must dump Neeld and replace him with experience and quality early in the season.

So what do all you want to do, which bit don't you get, posters on here telling supporters not to pay memberships as protest, yet you want to put the Club in massive debt to try and attract a quality coach, you will notice that other Clubs went for rookie coaches as well.......reason they can't afford the so called talent out there......again get over it...........I don't know whether the problem is Neeld, I have no idea what the problem is.....but he is the coach.......and if we believe Don McLardy this time, he will be the coach for the rest of the season, why tear yourself to bits with posts like this....what does it achieve or has Rangey got eveybody with the bit between their teeth and the people's revolution......by the way just another point....part of the development is not on the field, we entered this season with nearly a full list of fit players, so that bit is working........as I said if you know the answer ring the Club

[Grand New Flag 3,227]

I agree that Neeld is failing at his chosen profession, but I don't understand this.

What is going to happen that is so terrible by waiting a while longer?

We will have a caretaker coach whether we fire him in a fortnight or in 3 months time.

The big decision will be, if Neeld cannot turn things around, is who we get in September/October.

Neeld has time...in footy terms.

It is clear the culture of the team is poor and the club is broken. Personally I put responsibility on Neeld for the appalling way he tried to stamp authority by dividing the players on grounds of experience. The complete turn over in the leadership group, sacking of Green and installing of rookies as captain was a massive slap in the face for all palyers that had been at the club for more than a few years.

I feel that Neeld has become a cancer. It is going to take a long time to reunite the players. I want to see someone come in soon who can start the healing and bonding process, present a more suitable game plan. A interim coach who has the ability to inspire and most importantly create confidence in the players. The interim coach may prove to be the one (aka Roos at Sydney) and be instated permanent, but if not leaves the option open to chase after the best available. There is no point hanging onto a girlfriend when you know she is not the one. There is no point holding onto a coach when you know he is not the one.

Neeld is the problem, and not part of the solution. The signs have been there since almost day 1.

[hardtack 10,627]

It is clear the culture of the team is poor and the club is broken. Personally I put responsibility on Neeld for the appalling way he tried to stamp authority by dividing the players on grounds of experience. The complete turn over in the leadership group, sacking of Green and installing of rookies as captain was a massive slap in the face for all palyers that had been at the club for more than a few years.

I feel that Neeld has become a cancer. It is going to take a long time to reunite the players. I want to see someone come in soon who can start the healing and bonding process, present a more suitable game plan. A interim coach who has the ability to inspire and most importantly create confidence in the players. The interim coach may prove to be the one (aka Roos at Sydney) and be instated permanent, but if not leaves the option open to chase after the best available. There is no point hanging onto a girlfriend when you know she is not the one. There is no point holding onto a coach when you know he is not the one.

Neeld is the problem, and not part of the solution. The signs have been there since almost day 1.

Words are cheap... who do you suggest we get as an interim coach? Who is available? Who can we afford? Craig has said he will NOT coach (he is very very definite about that), Sheedy, who I would not contemplate as a coach at all, is still tied to GWS, etc etc... so who do you suggest?

And on the topic of experienced versus rookie coaches... how on earth do you think these experienced coaches began their careers? Do you think that just maybe they weren't always experienced? Do you think they may just have been rookies themselves at some point in their careers?

In real terms, Neeld is in just his first real season of coaching as last year was about deconstructing/reconstructing the playing list and that is an exercise that will continue at the end of this season... we all knew about that from day one. And on Green's "sacking"... I believe he walked so that he could retire with his dignity in tact, so please do not attempt to rewrite history in an effort to pillory Neeld...

From the Age:

"Green, 31 and out of contract at the end of the season, confirmed today he would retire once the Demons' season ended in round 23. He also said he would not seek to extend his career elsewhere."

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/demons-veteran-green-to-retire-20120808-23tjm.html#ixzz2Q20RTtDp

Edited April 10, 2013 by hardtack

[Grand New Flag 3,227]

So what do all you want to do, which bit don't you get, posters on here telling supporters not to pay memberships as protest, yet you want to put the Club in massive debt to try and attract a quality coach, you will notice that other Clubs went for rookie coaches as well.......reason they can't afford the so called talent out there......again get over it...........I don't know whether the problem is Neeld, I have no idea what the problem is.....but he is the coach.......and if we believe Don McLardy this time, he will be the coach for the rest of the season, why tear yourself to bits with posts like this....what does it achieve or has Rangey got eveybody with the bit between their teeth and the people's revolution......by the way just another point....part of the development is not on the field, we entered this season with nearly a full list of fit players, so that bit is working........as I said if you know the answer ring the Club

The only thing that will send this club belly up.... the only thing is more years of being completely uncompetitive. Being uncompetitive compromises and drastically weakens every avenue of revenue. Being successful allows a club to expand revenue.

I don't want to be in debt, but as I said, a top line coach will pay for himself. We actually have no choice but to go after the best we can get and pay the price. Personally I would be talking to the AFL about some support landing the best coach and CEO available. It is not in the AFLs interest for any team to be as uncompetitive as we are.

I have donated alot of money to the club over the last 5 years. I am devastated with what has happened since the great mans passing. Let me assure you moving forward those who donate to the club every year will be much more generous if we saw it going to a good coach who has united the playing group and supporters and developed some respect from the football world.

Just one other thing, subject to a miracle, a dramatic improvement in form and the winning of many games imminently. Neeld is a dead man walking. The only question is when. I am strongly arguing as soon as a transition plan has been put into place. I expect and pray that behind the scenes this is plan is being developed.

[Satyriconhome 10,879]

It is clear the culture of the team is poor and the club is broken. Personally I put responsibility on Neeld for the appalling way he tried to stamp authority by dividing the players on grounds of experience. The complete turn over in the leadership group, sacking of Green and installing of rookies as captain was a massive slap in the face for all palyers that had been at the club for more than a few years.

I feel that Neeld has become a cancer. It is going to take a long time to reunite the players. I want to see someone come in soon who can start the healing and bonding process, present a more suitable game plan. A interim coach who has the ability to inspire and most importantly create confidence in the players. The interim coach may prove to be the one (aka Roos at Sydney) and be instated permanent, but if not leaves the option open to chase after the best available. There is no point hanging onto a girlfriend when you know she is not the one. There is no point holding onto a coach when you know he is not the one.

Neeld is the problem, and not part of the solution. The signs have been there since almost day 1.

Oh so right, we had the infamous 186 (first time I have ever used that) and Bailey was sacked, so the supporters said let's get a complete bastard in who is going to change everything, change the culture of the Club, get rid of the non performing senior players, clear out the downhill skiers, change the leadership group................it may take time but that's what we need.......we did....now that is wrong......next.....what do you want this time......just so we can revisit in a couple of years...........posts similar to yours really make me wonder whether Melbourne supporters who say they have supported for years do it on a week by week basis...do you want to get back on topic now

Edited April 10, 2013 by Satyriconhome

[daisycutter 29,740]

I agree that Neeld is failing at his chosen profession, but I don't understand this.

What is going to happen that is so terrible by waiting a while longer?

We will have a caretaker coach whether we fire him in a fortnight or in 3 months time.

The big decision will be, if Neeld cannot turn things around, is who we get in September/October.

Neeld has time...in footy terms.

If no improvement to status and waiting for year-end

1. more players will ask to be traded or just leave and recruitment of new players even harder

2. players confidence/form will be further eroded and harder to repair

I think the half-way point of the season is the max wait it will go without improvement

[Grand New Flag 3,227]

Words are cheap... who do you suggest we get as an interim coach? Who is available? Who can we afford? Craig has said he will NOT coach (he is very very definite about that), Sheedy, who I would not contemplate as a coach at all, is still tied to GWS, etc etc... so who do you suggest?

And on the topic of experienced versus rookie coaches... who on earth do you think these experienced coaches began their careers? Do you think that just maybe they weren't always experienced? Do you think they may just have been rookies themselves at some point in their careers?

In real terms, Neeld is in just his first real season of coaching as last year was about deconstructing/reconstructing the playing list and that is an exercise that will continue at the end of this season... we all knew about that from day one. And on Green's "sacking"... I believe he walked so that he could retire with his dignity in tact, so please do not attempt to rewrite history in an effort to pillory Neeld...

From the Age:

"Green, 31 and out of contract at the end of the season, confirmed today he would retire once the Demons' season ended in round 23. He also said he would not seek to extend his career elsewhere."

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/demons-veteran-green-to-retire-20120808-23tjm.html#ixzz2Q20RTtDp

Green was sacked as Captain, that is what I was talking about. He also did not want to retire, he was forced out. I ask who would you prefer Green or one of the aged has beens we recruited to take his place.

As for the experienced coach, we have until years end to find one, I can think of many who would be worth talking to but don't want to get into an argument of the merits of each name. In the interim we should be putting in an interim coach who may just make the grade. Call it a 16- 20 round interview. The interim coach must be primarily someone who can unite and inspire the team and create confidence. That is the main objective at this point, because if this does not happen we will have a mass excites at seasons end. This is what happened to Roos, at Sydney. This is what he was brought into do, he was only an interim coach to inspire, unite and build confidence. The rest is history.

Edited April 10, 2013 by Grand New Flag

[Grand New Flag 3,227]

Oh so right, we had the infamous 186 (first time I have ever used that) and Bailey was sacked, so the supporters said let's get a complete bastard in who is going to change everything, change the culture of the Club, get rid of the non performing senior players, clear out the downhill skiers, change the leadership group................it may take time but that's what we need.......we did....now that is wrong......next.....what do you want this time......just so we can revisit in a couple of years...........posts similar to yours really make me wonder whether Melbourne supporters who say they have supported for years do it on a week by week basis...do you want to get back on topic now

Mate please don't question my love and support for the club it is very insulting. I don't question your support, I beleive you just like virtually everyone on here is a true support and deeply hurting. I simply disagree with what you say. What you say above is partially true in that what we needed after Bailey was tough coach. The problem was we made the wrong choice. It is one thing being tough, but toughness will not work unless you have the ability to inspire, to get the most out of your players etc. etc. Neeld does not have this ability, he has clearly lost the players and he must be replaced.

By the way this has everything to do with Watts and whether he is in red and blue next season.

[Satyriconhome 10,879]

Mate please don't question my love and support for the club it is very insulting. I don't question your support, I beleive you just like virtually everyone on here is a true support and deeply hurting. I simply disagree with what you say. What you say above is partially true in that what we needed after Bailey was tough coach. The problem was we made the wrong choice. It is one thing being tough, but toughness will not work unless you have the ability to inspire, to get the most out of your players etc. etc. Neeld does not have this ability, he has clearly lost the players and he must be replaced.

By the way this has everything to do with Watts and whether he is in red and blue next season.

Your opinion that he is the wrong choice, my opinion I don't know whether he is or not, coz I don't know what the issue with the players is, do you?, have you asked them, I did - they didn't know either, but they want Neeld as coach, so assume they are lying to me.

I didn't question your support I said some supporters seem to be a week to week proposition as to what they want from the Club

You don't disagree you just keep moving the goalposts on what you want from the Club

Edited April 10, 2013 by Satyriconhome

[jnrmac 20,188]

Neeld is the problem. Jack will come good.

And before that Bailey was the problem. Care to rethink your idea?

[Grand New Flag 3,227]

And before that Bailey was the problem. Care to rethink your idea?

Care to read the rest of my posts?

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,939]

I though last year that if Watts got dropped for a 3rd year in a row, then his time at the MFC is over. A number 1 draft pick should not be dropped 3 years in a row by his 5th season.

That being said I hope he doesn't get dropped this week. Make him redeem himself. Play him on the wing, half fwd flank and full forward.