Demons' Jack Watts ready to take on the elite

[DeeZee 7,445]

I used to be uncertain , but now im not so sure.

[Akum 2,660]

Happy to contribute to the debate:

I reckon Jack Watts could surprise or disappoint.

Well, he might. Or he might not.

[jazza 1,323]

yesterday i was indecisive

today im just not sure

[Little Goffy 14,645]

I also agree in a perverse sort of a way

When I watch I see him hesitating after his initial instinctive action has been unsupported by those around him

he makes position in space but our players were unable to get the ball too him.

He collects ball but no one was running past to take his initial handpass or there was no-one leading to a vacant spot. He was often tackled as he "was thinking" but it was probably more on the line of WTF do I do now

He hesitates tackling as he knows that takes him out of the play when the ball comes out but it usually did not come out directed to him as it was the opposition or our players delivery was poor.

I hope that improved players, improved skills and improved coaches instructions will see JW involved more in the play where his instinctive actions are better used.

But I also agree that a lot of this is a mental approach and I hope he confirms the confidence he is talking at the moment to set himself some high performance standards that he meets.

Well put, I'm annoyed I didn't make these points myself!

I think we'd also agree that there are other players out there who have been left 'underperforming' because of a lack of coherent, directed effort.

I'm particularly interested in how our rebounds from defensive 50 will improve once proper rhythms are in place across the middle and flanks. An extra 5% disposal efficiency across there can make such a dramatic difference to a team, and for individual reputations. I'll specifically have an eye on Tom McDonald, who I think also is a natural 'first option' player but keeps getting left thinking 'oh come on, give me something to work with'.

[Sambo06 222]

Well put, I'm annoyed I didn't make these points myself!

I think we'd also agree that there are other players out there who have been left 'underperforming' because of a lack of coherent, directed effort.

I'm particularly interested in how our rebounds from defensive 50 will improve once proper rhythms are in place across the middle and flanks. An extra 5% disposal efficiency across there can make such a dramatic difference to a team, and for individual reputations. I'll specifically have an eye on Tom McDonald, who I think also is a natural 'first option' player but keeps getting left thinking 'oh come on, give me something to work with'.

Here here!!!

[Return to Glory 8,448]

For mine, we just haven't focused enough on Jack on Demonland. Just the one thread doesn't make sense to me.

[Carrot Top 947]

For mine, we just haven't focused enough on Jack on Demonland. Just the one thread doesn't make sense to me.

Too right. I might start one where we can analyse whether his boot stud pattern is holding him back.

(I have some pretty strong thoughts on this, so beware)

[puntkick 325]

Well put, I'm annoyed I didn't make these points myself!

I think we'd also agree that there are other players out there who have been left 'underperforming' because of a lack of coherent, directed effort.

I'm particularly interested in how our rebounds from defensive 50 will improve once proper rhythms are in place across the middle and flanks. An extra 5% disposal efficiency across there can make such a dramatic difference to a team, and for individual reputations. I'll specifically have an eye on Tom McDonald, who I think also is a natural 'first option' player but keeps getting left thinking 'oh come on, give me something to work with'.

" once proper rhythms are in place across the middle and flanks "

Is this a footy forum or a Canberra pornsite ?

[Return to Glory 8,448]

You've never heard of the rhythm method? Sweeping the AFL

[Romey 169]

An interesting fact about Jack is that over the past 10 years only 6 people have run a faster time than his 20 metre sprint time of 2.82 seconds at the 2008 draft camp. Of these 6 only Daniel Pearce and Ashley Smith are currently listed and regular senior AFL players. While this may not make him an elite midfielder, it is an often forgotten strength of his that has never been fully exploited. I personally feel this amazing time is as much a result of his superior reaction time than his sprinting skills itself, which is particularly valuable in a chaotic and congested midfield situation.

Edited January 25, 2014 by Romey

[Hannibal 5,814]

An interesting fact about Jack is that over the past 10 years only 6 people have run a faster time than his 20 metre sprint time of 2.82 seconds at the 2008 draft camp. Of these 6 only Daniel Pearce and Ashley Smith are currently listed and regular senior AFL players. While this may not make him an elite midfielder, it is an often forgot strength of his that has never been fully exploited. I personally feel this amazing time is as much a result of his superior reaction time than his sprinting skills itself, which is particularly valuable in a chaotic and congested midfield situation.

He's never been "game day" fast, which is not that uncommon.

[Jack Jack Tappy 112]

He's never been "game day" fast, which is not that uncommon.

You're so predictable. Have a look at his leads, he has exceptional speed. On game day.

[rjay 25,093]

He's never been "game day" fast, which is not that uncommon.

You're so predictable. Have a look at his leads, he has exceptional speed. On game day.

But up the ground he hasn't really shown an ability to break the lines with his speed. Now this may be related to fitness and repeated efforts, if he can use this pace around the ground then with his ball use he will be a weapon. I think he can do it but at the moment it is still "IF".

[daisycutter 29,743]

If only they were humorous.

The problem is incessant rambling, cluttering a thread with what I don't think even passes as comedy, so poor are the attempts.

It's just cringeworthy and makes everything more boring than it was otherwise.

are you serious? this post is not even remotely funny

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

Jack Watts is a footballer

^just wanted to contribute

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,939]

Of the top 10 players selected in the 2008 draft, I'd still take Jack Watts.

Hurley, Rich and Hartlett are very good players, but I reckon Watts still has more upside than each of them. NikNat? I reckon he's a bit overrated.

And pick 40? Well, that's laughable. Only Mark Neeld and you think that.

I'd actually take Rich over Watts any day of the week.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

NikNat? I reckon he's a bit overrated.

You reckon? 5 kicks a game and 8 goals for the year in 2013.. but you won't read anything about the Eagles 'wasting' a pick 2 on him will you

[deeko 952]

You reckon? 5 kicks a game and 8 goals for the year in 2013.. but you won't read anything about the Eagles 'wasting' a pick 2 on him will you

I'm not one for making excuses, but he was definitely battling injuries last year and really looked to be struggling a lot.

The years before however he was continually improving in most categories and fantastic around the stoppages.

I'd say at the end of the 2012 season he was worth every bit of pick 2 and destined for greater things in which if he gets his body right again there is no reason why he won't reach that level.

[Romey 169]

More press on Watts in The Age today. He certainly pumps above his weight with the media attention that he draws.

I think pairing him up with Daniel Cross makes a lot of sense. If you combine the work ethic of Cross with the skills of Watts you potentially have a Brownlow medalist.

Demon Jack Watts Learns New Tricks From Old Dog Daniel Cross.

http://m.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/demon-jack-watts-learns-new-tricks-from-old-dog-daniel-cross-20140127-31iue.html

[Machsy 2,858]

Steve Johnson.

Highly skilled tall HFF, drafted 2001.

Selfish player, made poor decisions, not particularly tough or committed.

Stuffed up, indiscretions, injuries, almost traded.

2007, 6 years later, finally pulled his head in, put his head down & bum up, worked hard to develop a tank and committed to playing the right way.

Flags, NS medal, AA selections followed.

Jack Watts, drafted 2008.

Now 2014, 6 years later...

Not saying they will follow the same path, but there are parallels and it's an example of how it far from too late for Watts.

[DeeZee 7,445]

I'd actually take Rich over Watts any day of the week.

Ha ha , watts still averages more kicks , marks, goals etc etc than rich, natanui ,and hurley.

I really hope he has a big year so all you watts haters can [censored] off.

Go Dees!