One hell of a debut: Jack Watts, four years on

Very interesting analysis.

I read the first few bits, but it's basically a rehash of every "They mishandled Watts" article that's been published in the last five years or so. Nothing new or original that I could see.

I read the first few bits, but it's basically a rehash of every "They mishandled Watts" article that's been published in the last five years or so. Nothing new or original that I could see.

If you can't be bothered reading all of it, don't comment.

Peter Ryan is the afl.com rep embedded with the club - he's the Peter MN refers to in most of his pressers. He knows what he writes about.

But you who obviously knows more than anyone else would be FAR better informed.

FMD

I AM NUMBER 4!

i liked it

It's true. We have done the kid no favours but he doesn't do himself many either.

Why do the f**king media do this all the time!"i dont care if its a good article or not it is disgraceful that they keep trying to kick a kid while he is already down. Why not just let the kid play without any media scruitny for once! Where are the tom scully articles? What about Sam Day? He was pick 3 and he has done eff all! Jeez Matthew Kruezer seems to be a coasting alright, what has he done so far that screams gun number 1 draft pick? And for some of you supporters saying its a good article ffs tell us something we dont know about jack!?

I'm still hoping this guy can have a big break out game/season soon. 25 possies and 3 goals!!! wish it started today and then he signs a 3yr contract with us. shove it right up the media. Come on Wattsy!

Straight after I read this article I checked to see where Watts was named. It would be a brilliant twist of date if today was the day he came into his own as a forward.

It is a rehash, but the handling of Watts was botched so badly we will never escape it. And every QB is the anniversary of it, that's why if he puts in a good one this year it could rid him of those demons.

An enjoyable read - and thought provoking. I don't know what's coming over the media with balanced articles these days.

Whether or not Watts' selection as #1 draft pick or his initiation onto the big stage four years ago were justified is now a matter for history. I note Essendon gave Joe Daniher his debut in an important fixture in front of 80 thousand and the decision didn't raise as much concern. On the other hand, the drafting rules have changed now so that Watts would only have been eligible to be selected via something like the GWS mini draft (which is gone now). Jesse Hogan who is the same age now as when Watts made his debut can't play AFL till next year.

Of course, during the tanking inquisition there were claims that Melbourne held Watts back to only three games because of its tanking policy.

Go figure?

I suppose Jack's time at the MFC could well be running out. He's still popular with my grandkids who wear his number on their backs but I suppose, like many others at the club, he and the club have 12 weeks to do something.

An enjoyable read - and thought provoking. I don't know what's coming over the media with balanced articles these days.

Whether or not Watts' selection as #1 draft pick or his initiation onto the big stage four years ago were justified is now a matter for history. I note Essendon gave Joe Daniher his debut in an important fixture in front of 80 thousand and the decision didn't raise as much concern. On the other hand, the drafting rules have changed now so that Watts would only have been eligible to be selected via something like the GWS mini draft (which is gone now). Jesse Hogan who is the same age now as when Watts made his debut can't play AFL till next year.

Of course, during the tanking inquisition there were claims that Melbourne held Watts back to only three games because of its tanking policy.

Go figure?

I suppose Jack's time at the MFC could well be running out. He's still popular with my grandkids who wear his number on their backs but I suppose, like many others at the club, he and the club have 12 weeks to do something.

I think his time is done with us. Much as I'd love him to show me wrong. We should trade him out at the end of the year and get a mid or improve a pick. Next year, with a forward line of clark, dawes and hogan he does not fit. He lacks the spirit to play back and the willingness to run to play midfield. He has it all except the desire.

Pity.

It's a fair analysis of Watts.

It would be nice for sure if the media applied the same attention they give Watts to some other high draft picks who seem to coast under the radar.

Bryce Gibbs is as ineffective a number 1 pick as Watts. He was drafted to be a midfielder but can't play in the middle as he squibs contests, so they play him off half-back where he doesn't have to do anything contested. He's as flawed a pick as Watts is.

I am not giving up on Watts just yet.

I really want Sylvia, Gawn and Watts to re-sign with the club - ideally tomorrow.

It's a fair analysis of Watts.

It would be nice for sure if the media applied the same attention they give Watts to some other high draft picks who seem to coast under the radar.

Bryce Gibbs is as ineffective a number 1 pick as Watts. He was drafted to be a midfielder but can't play in the middle as he squibs contests, so they play him off half-back where he doesn't have to do anything contested. He's as flawed a pick as Watts is.

Yep, and as dazzledavey states I can't understand why kreuzer isn't under scrutiny as a number 1 pick. Don't rate him at all. Having said that, kreuzer does give 100% every contest so we would probably take that at this stage (similar boat to Hurley in my opinion).

Do people think the supporters have an important role to play in how these players are scrutinised? We put a lot of expectation on our high picks and tend to turn on them quickly. I reckon Ess and Carl supporters last a little longer before they pillage one of their own. Mind you, I've spent much of the last 15 years defending the people who have represented my club and I've kind of run out of motivation to do it anymore. I pretty much just agree with whatevet negative comments anyone throws my way about the MFC. I hope something gives me reason to snap out of it sometime soon!

Personally I think the reason Watts comes under so much scrutiny is because everyone can see he has the talent to succeed but for some reason it hasn't converted to on field success. He can kick, he can mark, he is agile, he is reasonably quick. When you see him do good things he looks like he could be a very good player, but he just doesn't get near it enough, or hurt teams enough.

Other players not under scrutiny may not be superstars but they are least turning out honest performances each week. The second half of last year Watts played some good honest footy, not superstar, but on of our best. And everyone was happy for him. This year he has regressed, I'm not sure why, but it is possibly because he is a receiver in a very poor side.

I am not giving up on Watts just yet.

I really want Sylvia, Gawn and Watts to re-sign with the club - ideally tomorrow.

I'm with you Ron. Despite him not really cementing a spot as a regular performer, he is still a big part of the club I feel. Even though he is divisive he is always at the fore with supporters and outsiders and I really hope he can produce something in the next 12 weeks - I'd like us to hold on to him and not give him up for a rubbish pick.

The stuff about Watts wasn't the thing that stood out to me The line that summed up the MFC is the following one and one I have said on here for quite some time:

The club has a long history of looking for saviours in the post-Norm Smith era: 'Diamond' Jim Tilbrook, Carl Ditterich, Ron Barassi, Kelvin Templeton, Peter Moore, David Schwarz, Joseph Gutnick, Jim Stynes, Jack Watts, Tom Scully, Mark Neeld and now, even in his infancy at the club, Peter Jackson.

It's why I am leery when people just assume that Jackson can do this job on his own. It will take more (and no JGK is not the man to help him).

As for Jack, he will never be the footballer he could be at Melbourne. The well has been poisoned and both need to get what is best for both parties (decent compensation for us and a good home for Jack) and move on.

As for Jack, he will never be the footballer he could be at Melbourne. The well has been poisoned and both need to get what is best for both parties (decent compensation for us and a good home for Jack) and move on.

There's a lot in this. And it kills me to say it, but he will be absolutely fantastic once someone like Malthouse gets hold of him.

There's a lot in this. And it kills me to say it, but he will be absolutely fantastic once someone like Malthouse gets hold of him.

It is sad. Reading the article, it seemed like the club didn't have the courage of their convictions in letting Jack spending the year in the Magoos before letting him into the big time. Good clubs plan ahead and stick to these plans. They aren't reactionary either way, positive or negative, when circumstances change (Me saying that is a bit at odds with me saying Neeld should go but I think now the weight of evidence is too strong to deny). Jack had played a few good games? Great. But the plan should have been stuck to. Then when he debuted in 2010, the pressure he is under wouldn't have eventuated to the level it has.

a blank pieced of paper would sum it up.

Watts is talented, will find himself down forward with dawes and clark with Hogan at chb imo

Watts doesn't have the tank to run out a game at the moment, in fact he seems to run out of gas after a quarter or two. He will never be a good player until he gets himself fit and the sort of work needed to do the job may be beyond him.

His best position may be sub, he could share it with Blease and you could get one good game between the two of them.

Watts was good today up until Dawes went off. He couldn't do it all himself.

I hope he stays.

Sorry WYL but Watts wasn't good today.

He showed a little intensity at times but was pushed aside like a feather.

It is time we parted company and admit to another failed recruitment.

Sorry WYL but Watts wasn't good today.

He showed a little intensity at times but was pushed aside like a feather.

It is time we parted company and admit to another failed recruitment.

To be fair to him his first quarter was good when his intensity was up, but the longer the game went the more it dropped. If it was one area that would make him look better it would be tackling. He needs to back himself to stick a decent tackle and drop his weight into an opponent. He's actually started to at least attack the ball on the ground to a degree.

I'd still trade him though for any half decent young midfielder.