Lay off Jack Watts...

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,477]

Won't happen.

Watts is class.

His class isn't in question Jumbo, it's the frequency of it. I wrote in the "changes for round 5" thread that his decision making used to be a highlight of his game but that too is missing at the moment.

[dee-luded 2,959]

I struggle to watch Watts without expecting another insipid tackle, dropped mark or failure to commit to a contest. Suspect this will be his last year at the Dees if he does not turn things round - another #epicfail from our old recruiters. Sylvia was another wasted talent, but at least he would attack the ball. Grimes will also exit via his poor ball skills. Trenners another one. Good news is we have so much superb new talent with Hogan at the top of the crop.

this is not Just about Wattsy... this IS about our recent past, of the likes of morton, bennell, gysberts, cook, & now wattsy, who all shared time at the club together, & were under the likes of green & bruse...

pity that Junior, Whelan, Neita & the Ox were finished by that time, we had some genuine physical leader/competitors in these guys.

here is imo the issue. We (I know I do) feel we don't want melbourne teams playing an outside (ring a ring a rosy) style. lets build them tough, & become the rugged Demons once again.. no more [censored] puucee footing around

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,477]

6 pages on one of our players.....what a waste of space......I hope to god he never reads this forum. I would not be surprised if one day he just chose to walk away from the game. I have completely put from my mind that he was a No 1 pick. I look at him as a player who at the moment is definitely in our best 22.....I have never questioned his desire to play for the MFC though reading some of the comments here....you would wonder why. He plays some amazing games ...some crap games (like most of our players) & I am actually quite happy how he is developing under Roos. It is laughable that some posters here criticise Roos for playing him....we are not blessed with a team of superstars that we can just blithely say....get rid of Jack Watts....we won last night (didn't we?) lets just celebrate that and for gods sake stop "eating one of our own"

I had to laugh when I heard Rance was considering walking away from the game....just go then.

[beelzebub 23,390]

Jack Watts is a Victim of circumstances . Including a Club that was so desperate to get him that they fed him to the wolves in his First game ie Collingwood

So back then many of us cut him slack at the beginning of his career . However in Football terms he is no longer a Newbie.

He needs to Step up as has been mentioned by many here or circumstances them self, may lead to his demise and him being passed over.

I have seen glimpses of what Watts and how good he could possibly be.

I think that's why many here vent on him because of their Frustration with his progression as a player.

I hope Watts can turn it around .

"In Roos I have Faith" and he is the coach, and we know he wont accept carrying players, so if he keeps playing Watts there must be something Roos sees that many here cant .

If Roo believed he needed to go back to Casey I'm sure that's where Watts would go

But Regardless of all of the above, the one thing I don't believe in is BOOING Watts, which I have seen at the game, to me its disappointing and I'm sure not only has a negative affect on Watts but also other MFC players who may be near him.

Vent your Frustration here, yes. But Public Booing on match day ?? Give it a break.

possibly. ..but in the main Jack Watts is victim of...Jack Watts. Life is down to yourself, what you make of it, how you react, how you cope invariably and always eventually comes down to the individual. The MFC isn't the toxic influence some would have us believe. Those who should be on the paddock rise above anything thats retardant.

Should Watts simply be retained in the 22 only not to upset the 'so called stability '?How does that sit with the idea of every player earning their spot ?

[jumbo returns 6,741]

possibly. ..but in the main Jack Watts is victim of...Jack Watts. Life is down to yourself, what you make of it, how you react, how you cope invariably and always eventually comes down to the individual. The MFC isn't the toxic influence some would have us believe. Those who should be on the paddock rise above anything thats retardant.

Should Watts simply be retained in the 22 only not to upset the 'so called stability '?How does that sit with the idea of every player earning their spot ?

He's not a hard nut, BB...as opposed to some of your favourite players

But, he's played 90 odd games, the majority of those under a coaching regime that had nfi.

He deserves some Roos' development.

[Little Richard 6,265]

I am a supporter who has been dismayed with Watts over the years, as a few of you (particularly jumbo returns) are aware.

I have to say, I thought Carey's article was pretty much rubbish but he made a couple of good points. Watts' work rate is something that can't be doubted. The way he runs and presents is pretty impressive, even if he doesn't make a contest a lot of the time. However he is just way too much of a confidence player. He's just unreliable from week to week - one week he could be great but the next, down and out.

Against the Tigers, there were a couple of questionable efforts (as I expect from him every game now) but I don't think his game was as bad as the week before. I think Watts will just continue in this fashion until the end of his career unless something magically clicks. Inevitebly, threads like this will continue to pop up while Jack Watts plays footbally - it's as sure as the sunrise.

[ManDee 7,349]

One day the Watts haters will get their wish. Until then they need to acknowledge one thing, the coach does not agree with them. For all the vitreol and angst stop and ask yourself, do you know more about football than Paul Roos? Probably not would be my guess. If Roos wants Watts in the side that is good enough for me.

Edit-fix typo

[Lucifers Hero 40,573]

Should Watts simply be retained in the 22 only not to upset the 'so called stability '?How does that sit with the idea of every player earning their spot ?

He retains his spot in the same way other players who have had patchy form this year eg Tyson, Dunn, Dawes, Garlett and even Lumumba.

The spotlight is always on Jack and it seems only Jack. Until he stops following the coach's instructions he stays in the side...he gets the same deal as all the players.

For all DL's and especially in the media, I hope all the anti-Watts rubbish stops this week. He plays his 100th game next Saturday. Lets focus on that for a while. A worthy and loyal achievement at a club that has struggled for his whole career. Most people acknowledge he would be a better player at Hawthorn, Geelong or a better side. Have we all forgotten the relief when re-signed a few years ago? He stuck by us. Now its for us to stick by him.

I hope the cheer squad honour him on the banner next Saturday. I hope Melbourne supporters come out in droves to celebrate. I hope we cheer him loudly. It may just be the confidence boost he needs.

[dazzledavey36 55,994]

I am Watt's harshes critic. A part of me is saying he should be dropped until he pulls his finger out of his ass.But at the same time i look at Lynden Dunn and Justin Westhoff from day dot struggled with their potential and wasn't until they hit the 100-120 game mark that they really started to come out of their shell. I think Wattsy should sit down with Lynden Dunn and talk about how he Got through all the expectations.

Roosy won't drop Watts. I don't agree with it because someone like a Jimmy Toumpas rarely gets the abundance of chances Jack gets. But i think we just have to continue to play Watts and hopefully he has a break out game. Dropping him will just hurt his confidence even more.

[WhyAlwaysMe 237]

I am Watt's harshes critic. A part of me is saying he should be dropped until he pulls his finger out of his ass.But at the same time i look at Lynden Dunn and Justin Westhoff from day dot struggled with their potential and wasn't until they hit the 100-120 game mark that they really started to come out of their shell. I think Wattsy should sit down with Lynden Dunn and talk about how he Got through all the expectations.

Roosy won't drop Watts. I don't agree with it because someone like a Jimmy Toumpas rarely gets the abundance of chances Jack gets. But i think we just have to continue to play Watts and hopefully he has a break out game. Dropping him will just hurt his confidence even more.

beauty! on that count we should see him come out of his shell next Sunday.

[Slartibartfast 18,040]

Watts was an utter embarrassment last night. Lazy, weak and lacking urgency. I can't believe anyone could be at the game and suggest otherwise.

It's disrespecting the others players to have him run out beside them.

Hmmm.... That's a huge criticism of Roos if he stays in this week.

I'll watch with interest.

Oh, and I'm astounded he's playing without confidence, couldn't imagine why.

[Ted Lasso 19,568]

I'm a watts fan but his confidence is shot at the moment, roosy and bmac would be working really hard with him I'm sure, it may be that he needs a stint at casey so he can dominate and get that confidence back

[What 18,810]

hes hanging on by a thread to a spot in the 22. I don't think he will be dropped this week.

Next year he will really struggle for a game though.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,477]

Mediocre teams should stick together. Us vs them.

All teams should have that mindset.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,477]

He's not a hard nut, BB...as opposed to some of your favourite players

But, he's played 90 odd games, the majority of those under a coaching regime that had nfi.

He deserves some Roos' development.

Agree with all that Jumbo but to be fair lots of other players faced those same challenges. Most of us on here are over the no.1 tag and we understand the difference between inside and outside or contested/uncontested. I've written before about watching Watts kick the ball and wonder where the f##k it's going only to have him spot someone up through heavy traffic. But his decision making is terrible at the moment along with other aspects of his game. Grimes is out of the team at the moment and I've drawn a line through his name, not fussed if he never plays for us again and seeks a trade at years end. Watts being dropped doesn't mean the end but it could be just what he needs, go back and focus on certain areas with help of McCartney and Roos. Something as simple as being dropped for a few weeks could change his whole mindset, but if we don't try we'll never know and the mental pressure will increase each week on him.

[Gator 18,019]

Hmmm.... That's a huge criticism of Roos if he stays in this week.

I'll watch with interest.

Oh, and I'm astounded he's playing without confidence, couldn't imagine why.

Roos won't drop Watts, so don't bother "watching with interest".

Watts has never believed he's belonged, which is his biggest problem.

We become our thoughts. Fix his mind and you'll fix the player.

[Slartibartfast 18,040]

Roos won't drop Watts, so don't bother "watching with interest".

Watts has never believed he's belonged, which is his biggest problem.

We become our thoughts. Fix his mind and you'll fix the player.

So what are you saying about Roos? And don't bother telling me what to do, I'll watch with interest thanks.

You can do what you like.

[timD 994]

Roos won't drop Watts, so don't bother "watching with interest".

Watts has never believed he's belonged, which is his biggest problem.

We become our thoughts. Fix his mind and you'll fix the player.

The commentary around Watts is a disgrace (not you specifically, but the issue in general!).

Both Mitchie and Newton 'short-armed' marking contests on Friday night and not a thing has been mentioned about this. Chapman did twice yesterday and nothing was said. Actually Newton did a number of 'hesitant' acts and has escaped a bagging.

Watts gets bagged for things that everyone else does a bit and some do a lot. We all expect more from him and i'm not sure why. We hold Watts to higher standards than any other player. Now standards are not bad, it is their implementation and consistency that matter. The scrutiny and criticism is massive. Dunn played scared for years and has copped less. Garland panics and we just put it down to "poor form" and move on.

Watts will never be the player I want him to be. I've accepted that he is a flanker with the potential to be a massive asset as we improve. Everything needs to be done to retain him and see him become that asset.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

Agree with all that Jumbo but to be fair lots of other players faced those same challenges. Most of us on here are over the no.1 tag and we understand the difference between inside and outside or contested/uncontested. I've written before about watching Watts kick the ball and wonder where the f##k it's going only to have him spot someone up through heavy traffic. But his decision making is terrible at the moment along with other aspects of his game. Grimes is out of the team at the moment and I've drawn a line through his name, not fussed if he never plays for us again and seeks a trade at years end. Watts being dropped doesn't mean the end but it could be just what he needs, go back and focus on certain areas with help of McCartney and Roos. Something as simple as being dropped for a few weeks could change his whole mindset, but if we don't try we'll never know and the mental pressure will increase each week on him.

AD, that's the thing....I don't think a stint in the seconds will prove beneficial at all.

By your own admission, you wonder how he finds players in traffic.....I don't believe there's enough development at Casey for him to find those players, as they're still working on structures. Thus, his frustration levels will rise and may push him back further.

Freo will be a terrific test for this young team....and, if we're to be competitive, JW needs to be in that selected 22.

[Slartibartfast 18,040]

The commentary around Watts is a disgrace (not you specifically, but the issue in general!).

Both Mitchie and Newton 'short-armed' marking contests on Friday night and not a thing has been mentioned about this. Chapman did twice yesterday and nothing was said. Actually Newton did a number of 'hesitant' acts and has escaped a bagging.

Watts gets bagged for things that everyone else does a bit and some do a lot. We all expect more from him and i'm not sure why. We hold Watts to higher standards than any other player. Now standards are not bad, it is their implementation and consistency that matter. The scrutiny and criticism is massive. Dunn played scared for years and has copped less. Garland panics and we just put it down to "poor form" and move on.

Watts will never be the player I want him to be. I've accepted that he is a flanker with the potential to be a massive asset as we improve. Everything needs to be done to retain him and see him become that asset.

Lumumba did worse than Watts in our first game. He ran under the ball, he didn't even stand there to mark. Watts at least stood there. Westoff last night in his first marking attempt last night did a "Watts".

I thought Carey's comments on Watts dropped mark in the first half of the third quarter were unfair. It was pizzing down, the ball was slippery and Watts stood under the ball to take the mark and dropped it. It was a skill error, not one of courage. Lumumba would have been a yard closer to the kicker and not got anywhere near it.

Watts has been done to death, there is nothing else to be said really, we just watch and see what happens.

[Redleg 42,052]

work in progress/getting 4th defender.....closes eyes in marking contest, poor defensively.

There are numerous arguments you can mount for and against Watts. I want to see Pedo given another chance.

Watts can join Grimes on the trade table come years end.

I remember some years ago many on here wanted Jones gone. Too slow, tried to do too much, too short etc.

I wasn't one of those people, incidentally were you?

Also a couple of years ago the same happened to Dunn.

Watts has pros and cons to his game and IMO in an improving side he will be a better player for us.

I think Roos clearly shares my view.

BTW I was furious in the Crows game over those dropped marks, but there is more to him than that.

Garlett hasn't kicked a set shot and goes missing for chunks of games, do we dump him.

Even our new idol missed a set shot from about 13 metres against the Crows.

Watts will improve and prove a few people wrong.

[titan_uranus 25,212]

The commentary around Watts is a disgrace (not you specifically, but the issue in general!).

Both Mitchie and Newton 'short-armed' marking contests on Friday night and not a thing has been mentioned about this. Chapman did twice yesterday and nothing was said. Actually Newton did a number of 'hesitant' acts and has escaped a bagging.

Watts gets bagged for things that everyone else does a bit and some do a lot. We all expect more from him and i'm not sure why. We hold Watts to higher standards than any other player. Now standards are not bad, it is their implementation and consistency that matter. The scrutiny and criticism is massive. Dunn played scared for years and has copped less. Garland panics and we just put it down to "poor form" and move on.

Watts will never be the player I want him to be. I've accepted that he is a flanker with the potential to be a massive asset as we improve. Everything needs to be done to retain him and see him become that asset.

My thoughts exactly.

Have a look at Dunn's pathetic effort in the second quarter on Edwards which led to their goal in the goalsquare. If that had been Watts there would be an entire thread on it. Instead, it hasn't even rated a single mention as far as I can tell.

[jumbo returns 6,741]

Not so long ago, Tommy Mac was, by some, hopeless and needed to be traded.

[grazman 7,537]

Just imagine what DL would be like if we still had Scully and no Hogan.

[Little Richard 6,265]

Not so long ago, Tommy Mac was, by some, hopeless and needed to be traded.

'By some', every player at some point has been hopeless and needed to be traded.

Tom Mc always had promise, toughness and overall obvious hunger for the contest. Different scenario, as he has now become one of the best key position backs in the league while Watts is still struggling to find his feet. It also doesn't help Watts that he was a number one pick - that will hang over him forever when people discuss his career.