Jack Watts signs new 3-year deal

[Karl Stefanovic 107]

During the season just been I thought throwing him into the midfield would've been a very smart move. I'm happy Roosy is on the same wavelengths and can see some ability there. He is very quick and agile, he just needs to improve his strength and power and we could see a very very good footballer in young Watts.

[Robbie57 2,020]

Is this a statement of fact or a rumour that's on Demonland so people just choose to believe it?

I'm pleased to see the suggestion that Watts will play midfield. He has deficiencies in his game which would be apparent wherever he's played, but all those weaknesses are rectifiable. If he gets it right, he could be one of the most damaging midfielders in the game.

He has now stated his desire to get his hands on the ball more often, Goodes is a role mdel for him in years to come.

[John Crow Batty 8,861]

I just hope this does not mean another three years of the same same. I could not stand it. Please Roos, turn this former silk purse turned sows ear back to silk purse again.

[Hannibal 5,814]

I'm happy to draw a line in the sand and back him in his new role.

Look forward to seeing what he can do in 2014.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

[Dockett 32 1,239]

The game has changed, if you can't win a contested ball in this game you are irrellevant.

This finals series as case in point. We are still paying the price for Bailey and Prendergast mis-reading the direction that the game was going.

Probably right re Bailey and Prendergast, but I disagree re Watts ability to win contested contests.

One on one, I thinks he's pretty good, even better in space. His speed, size and skill set serve him well in those situations IMO.

In a key position and even worse a crowded key position he struggles for sure,( never really had the body size) but then again we haven't had a decent key position forward since Neita and we aren't the only club that falls down in that area. With the anticipated debut of Hogan , plus Dawes and Clark, perhaps the use of Watts will change to capitalize on his strengths. Larger Stevie Johnson would be nice.

[binman 42,669]

Roos might really get into this kid's head....remember, he's only had Bailey and Neeld.

I agree Jumbo. I also think it is relevant that for Watts and all the other young players not only have they had Neeld and Bailey (who i actually thought could coach but was hamstrung by off field craziness) it has also been absolute chaos at the club in the last decade. Drama after drama, axings, upheavals, Jimmy's death, tanking investigation, hopeless fd and admin etc etc

Its been frustrating for fans - imagine how hard it must have been be for young players to focus on their footy, adjust to AFL and actually develop and improve. The relief in the Watts interview on the MFC is palpable (ie that we have PJ and a clear focus). Signing for 3 years is a great show of faith by both the club and Watts

[dees189227 12,373]

Im happy with this, as much as he frustrates me Im glad he didnt walk. This is his 6th preseason i think, so now next season we need to see him do a lot more. But I think with Roosy there he will be ok.

[jnrmac 20,055]

Looking fwd to the mongrel injections over summer. Could do with some.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

Happy with this.

He is worth more to us having us develop him than trading him at low value in the market place.

It's also vindication of the Roos impact.

As Port have shown, an important part of the path forward to achieve success is to have wanted OOC players resigning and backing the Club.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,359]

This is the sticking point, isn't it?

Roos might really get into this kid's head....remember, he's only had Bailey and Neeld.

I don't think the coaches have been the problem when it comes to his appetite for the contest. I think it's one of the few things that a player has it or he doesn't. Hogan in the pre season was letting his presence be known. To me that's why Jack might be playing off the wing next year, kick it to him on space and let him deliver into the forwards. He needs to learn how to make tackles stick, but so does most of the side.

[alias275 259]

Melbourne finally have a Josh Kennedy (Swans) in the making. About bloody time.

Go Roosy

Edited September 24, 2013 by alias275

[dl4e 5,851]

Looking fwd to the mongrel injections over summer. Could do with some.

And that is the biggest issue of the lot. Fix the pea heart and we could have a very capable player in our side. Can it be done though ?

[binman 42,669]

Fix the pea heart and we could have a very capable player in our side. Can it be done though ?

What...

[binman 42,669]

What...

....ever

[DeeSpencer 25,471]

Melbourne finally have a Josh Kennedy (Swans) in the making. About bloody time.

Go Roosy

Not sure if serious.

[DemonOX 8,783]

The dude has skills out the razoo.

Roos will bring finish and aggression to his game. He will also keep him in one spot on the paddock which will allow him to settle.

It's great that he has re--------signed with us.

Can u imagine the press if he left, geez another number 1 deserts the dees.

What will they write about now?

[dl4e 5,851]

What...

It is obvious I would have thaught. Do you think that Watts puts his body on the line ?

[jumbo returns 6,738]

I don't think the coaches have been the problem when it comes to his appetite for the contest. I think it's one of the few things that a player has it or he doesn't. Hogan in the pre season was letting his presence be known. To me that's why Jack might be playing off the wing next year, kick it to him on space and let him deliver into the forwards. He needs to learn how to make tackles stick, but so does most of the side.

100% correct.

Viney showed intent in his first game. Having said that, Watts actually 'went' a couple of times this year. Roos might get into his head....

[old dee 23,781]

Good news

IMO he will never be a game breaker but the guy has skill to burn.

If he is a good player over the next three years I will be happy.

The MFC needs ever skilled player it can get over the next three years so keeping Watts was a must for me.

[Demoneyes 562]

I believe I posted a week ago about the 3 years on the other JW thread so no surprise there! A very good result for the club and can't wait to see the untapped potential from this bloke!

[LegsLeoncelli 162]

2 weeks at Byron should be more than enough for him to relax, especially now he can refresh mentally.

Just as long as he steers clear of Nimbin. Either that, or he comes back with a shaved head.

That and Nic Cage really has no shame, does he? That man was made for gifs. Well done C&B, well done.

[Young Dee 1,303]

Good on you Watts -

I hope through this time he has had a long hard look at himself and said no matter which club I go to if I want to be a good player I am going to have to work hard and go in hard.

I think we will see a different Watts next year - a determined Watts!

[DemonOX 8,783]

I really like this bit in the article

"He sees me as a bit of a midfielder and a bigger body and I feel like (if) I can get my hands on the ball a bit more than I have, I can have a lot more impact in my game," he said.

It's great he has stayed.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,359]

It is obvious I would have thaught. Do you think that Watts puts his body on the line ?

He doesn't have to every time to be effective. Yes it would bloody help but I don't think he's got it in him. His skills are sublime, Watts on one wing Toumpas on the other. There's no point wasting more time trying to make him something he's not. Put the hard nuts in the square- Jones, Viney etc. Crashing packs is one thing but all players must learn to make effective tackles.