can I ask DLanders for their opinion on this - no agenda, just out of interest

Watts 101 games

Excellent 6

Good 20

Average 30

Poor 30

Terrible 15

Agree/Disagree?

I

40% agree

40% disagree

20% not really sure

( sorry..it's Friday and its been a loooong week)

For his own sanity, he needs a fresh start in new colors next year.

Nah... he will either make it or not - it ain't about the jumper he is wearing

Bull [censored]!!

No one enjoys seeing Watts fail (no Melbourne supporters anyway). We are all just so frustrated that he has the talent but not the application - its all in his head, the best thing he could probably do is go on a "trip" (psychedelic style) to find himself and strengthen his mindset. I've never seen anyone so weak minded play for the MFC and possibly the AFL.

...and I assume that post was written to elegantly prove my point.

If so, nice.

If not, call me. I can help.

For a price.

We'll talk later.

Watts played a corker first round and has fallen off since. Curry and Beer's above post perfectly sums up his output.

Not a Watts hater, more a sympathiser. I hope he bounces back after doing the right things for Scorps this week.

For his own sanity, he needs a fresh start in new colors next year.

I get the feeling that it is for his (Watts') sanity that Roos has dropped him this week. Roos is probably sick of Watts being the target of supporters' vitriole almost from the moment he sets foot on the field.

Even in the first round of the season against the Suns, he was copping a bagging every time he went near the ball; so it's not as if the supporter attitude is built on poor performances this season... it seems to have become a bit of a "game" amongst supporters (and I use that term very loosely) to see who can come up with the wittiest/most offensive barb.

Confidence is a funny thing, but I get the feeling that when you are the target of constant scrutiny by the media and abuse from your own supporters, it's something that's pretty hard to maintain,

One thing in Watts favour is that at least he is out there playing the game... unlike most of his critics who in reality, would probably be lucky to be picked in a bottom division side in their local district comp.

One thing in Watts favour is that at least he is out there playing the game

Not this week he's not. As of Round 7, 2015, he's lining up for Casey. He has been deemed not good enough for a bottom 4 club that has 7 injuries. Whether he sets foot on an AFL ground again is up for debate. I'm certainly not one of his haters but this is the fact of the matter.

This is the one everyone is bemoaning but seemingly not recognising the facts around it.

- You accept that Watts is rightfully dropped. Jamar is another, you are not complaining about Spencer replacing him.

- You understand that JKH, Jetta, Viney, Frost, Petracca, Trengove and Kent are all injured

- You know that Hogan, Stretch and Brayshaw are all in, so we can't be accused of not 'playing the kids'

So, given you are bemoaning Bail, MJones and McKenzie being in, you must be suggesting that instead we include 3 of:

Pederson, Terlich, Gawn, Riley, Fitzpatrick and Newton

Is this really the case you arguing? Haven't RB,MJ and JM been performing better at Casey than this group anyway? How much difference could it possibly make? Add to that the probablr notion that their inclusion is partially to do with Roos finding out who is getting axed at the end of year.

The facts of the matter are that we have 7 injured, which is at least 5 too many for our list. Add to that Jamar and Watts playing themselves into the 2s and we have a 22 that in no way resembles the ones we made in the preseason. I don't know why this is an indictment on Roos or a sign that we are not 'heading in the right direction'. It is what it is.

You're a real Demonland anomaly Curry. I can't think of another poster in my 12+ years on these footy forums who I swing from wild agreement to wild disagreement with on a daily basis. (Current state: wild agreement.)

Not this week he's not. As of Round 7, 2015, he's lining up for Casey. He has been deemed not good enough for a bottom 4 club that has 7 injuries. Whether he sets foot on an AFL ground again is up for debate. I'm certainly not one of his haters but this is the fact of the matter.

Yes, but my comment was more related to the fact that he is playing the game at the top level (not just this week or next week etc). You are right in that he is probably not good enough at the moment... but as I said, I get the feeling Roos is possibly being protective of him by sending him off to Casey to hopefully regain his confidence.

The biggest shock to me is not the squad but that we're playing at the MCG at 2.10 pm on a Saturday.

We need a big crowd plus a quality team performance to encourage the AFL to give us more of these premium timeslots.

It would be a huge setback if (a) the supporters don't turn up and (b) the team doesn't.

To all those posters who have said they won't be coming because of the team selection, to borrow a term used elsewhere in this thread...you've got pea hearts. Get there and support your team. Not just for tomorrow but to send a bigger message. If the supporters don't turn up, why should we expect the players to?

I go every week, including to some interstate games and it frustrates the hell out of me when some 'supporters' find any excuse under the sun not to attend a game. It's pathetic. Particularly if they have the money. And whilst I agree with the rest of your post, LDVC, the players earn a bloody good wage and should turn up irrespective of whether the supporters do. It's their job.

I get the feeling that it is for his (Watts') sanity that Roos has dropped him this week. Roos is probably sick of Watts being the target of supporters' vitriole almost from the moment he sets foot on the field.

Even in the first round of the season against the Suns, he was copping a bagging every time he went near the ball; so it's not as if the supporter attitude is built on poor performances this season... it seems to have become a bit of a "game" amongst supporters (and I use that term very loosely) to see who can come up with the wittiest/most offensive barb.

Confidence is a funny thing, but I get the feeling that when you are the target of constant scrutiny by the media and abuse from your own supporters, it's something that's pretty hard to maintain,

One thing in Watts favour is that at least he is out there playing the game... unlike most of his critics who in reality, would probably be lucky to be picked in a bottom division side in their local district comp.

Agree with all of that Hardtack. Possibly Roos could be doing this for his own sanity.

FWIW, I was disgusted by the booing he cops, a couple of weeks ago in particular.

Yes, but my comment was more related to the fact that he is playing the game at the top level (not just this week or next week etc). You are right in that he is probably not good enough at the moment... but as I said, I get the feeling Roos is possibly being protective of him by sending him off to Casey to hopefully regain his confidence.

my feeling is that he knows not what else to do. He and the other coaches have tried going down the route of backing him in, instructing him on the areas he needs to work on, watching tapes, club psychologist, whatever. It hasn't worked. I don't know what options Roos has left but to drop him in the hope that it will put a rocket up him and/or he will shine at Casey and come back to the ones a different player.

Nah... he will either make it or not - it ain't about the jumper he is wearing

Maybe not, in his case I think it might help.

Bull [censored]!!

No one enjoys seeing Watts fail (no Melbourne supporters anyway). We are all just so frustrated that he has the talent but not the application - its all in his head, the best thing he could probably do is go on a "trip" (psychedelic style) to find himself and strengthen his mindset. I've never seen anyone so weak minded play for the MFC and possibly the AFL.

I don't wish to fuel the digression much further, but to be fair to Jack, there aren't many players that have had to deal with the same level of scrutiny that he has. So I don't agree entirely with the weak mindedness. The AFL endorsed article on Watts being dropped is a prime example of this scrutiny though. Who else gets articles written about them when they get dropped? Absolute A graders perhaps, but Watts hasn't delivered to that level and yet still gets 'microscoped'. Does Scully? Does Naitanui? It's a tired conversation and I know we've all been at it for years.

I am in the boat of being an MFC supporter utterly frustrated by Jack's lack of physicality and at times concentration, but ultimately due to his creativity, I wonder whether he should be playing this week. Particularly, when Hawthorn have a few soft outsiders themselves.

McEvoy out Hale in. Interesting

Edit: Travis King

✔@TravKing_AFL

Ben McEvoy hurt his hammy during this morning's light run at Waverley. David Hale in for first game this season. #AFLHawksDees

1:44 PM - 15 May 2015

I don't wish to fuel the digression much further, but to be fair to Jack, there aren't many players that have had to deal with the same level of scrutiny that he has. So I don't agree entirely with the weak mindedness. The AFL endorsed article on Watts being dropped is a prime example of this scrutiny though. Who else gets articles written about them when they get dropped? Absolute A graders perhaps, but Watts hasn't delivered to that level and yet still gets 'microscoped'. Does Scully? Does Naitanui? It's a tired conversation and I know we've all been at it for years.

I am in the boat of being an MFC supporter utterly frustrated by Jack's lack of physicality and at times concentration, but ultimately due to his creativity, I wonder whether he should be playing this week. Particularly, when Hawthorn have a few soft outsiders themselves.

I definitely agree that he has copped WAY too much scrutiny over his career, BUT in this particular case it has to be said that a no.1 pick (who should be in his prime, and is at an injury-ravaged bottom 4 club) getting dropped is news worthy

Sorry, I thought this was a thread about the Hawthorn match. Turns out it is one of 78,566 pages devoted to Jack Watts.

Poor old Wattsy!!!

He's a kid trying to make his way in the rough and tumble of the AFL spotlight. Imagine growing up with all the crap he's had to cope with. Whether you like him or not, whether he's played bad games or not, no one deserves the pasting this kid gets! Let's see how you detractors questioning his ability, willingness and character handle the same stuff he and his Family and Friends have had to when (if) your kid/mate has to go through it in such a public manner. I'm not defending his ability, that's undeniable given he is on an afl list. Also not going to defend his character because that is also undeniable considering the strength he shows in rocking up continuously to hear the stuff yelled over the fence and in the media at him. Whether it's with us or another Club, who knows. There will be suitors lining up to sign him if he ever decides he's had enough of the so called Supporters of the MFC. Please all, just let it go! It's not fair to put him and his Family through this. I know Forums are for discussions, but surely not for Character Assassination.

How do you think Melbourne will go against Hawthorn?

kid? 24yo been working for 6 years

mandee: mate Watts was dropped for this game. We are allowed to discuss that. I have never for one second understood the people on this site who get all snooty if a topic doesn't stick exactly to its title , why would anyone give the slightest stuff about that, it is bizarre... if you are talking about something at a party and some people are taking the conversation to a slightly different place, do you scream WAIT! STOP! THIS ISN'T WHAT WE STARTED TALKING ABOUT! GO BACK TO THAT OTHER THING NOW!!!

no you don't because that would be weird

Check it out, there is an entire thread devoted to complaining about Jack Watts

If anyone is derailing the topic ManDee, I think it'd be you constantly whinging about what people are posting.

How do you think Melbourne will go against Hawthorn?

Check it out, there is an entire thread devoted to complaining about Jack Watts

If anyone is derailing the topic ManDee, I think it'd be you constantly whinging about what people are posting.

Sorry for derailing the topic and constantly whingeing.

just realised our 4 losses this year were against sides placed 1,4,5 and 6 on the ladder. The crows one was somewhat honourable too. Just trying to make myself feel better :D

Back on topic...

Hale often seems to have a day out against us. But he has only had one ok game back in the reserves (took one mark - was contested, one goal) after being out for 3 weeks with an adductor problem that he has apparently been struggling with since Christmas. So that's two underdone talls they have coming in this week to add to Schoenmakers who surely has rock bottom confidence after being pantsed by Cameron last week. Forward pressure will be important.

With Lewis and Hodge out, we need to shut down Mitchell. I think Cross would be perfect it and if he does the job we will go a long way to winning contested ball and clearances. If we can do that I really believe we are not without a sneaky chance. Good start is a must though.

I'd like to see:

Bail to play a full game as defensive forward on Burgoyne (or whoever is providing the most rebound if Burgoyne plays on ball).

Garland to Gunston.

McDonald to Roughead.

Matt Jones running with Smith.

Salem on Rioli.

Grimes to Bruest.

I'd love to see Gawn in this week, either in place of Spencer (who I do not rate) or in addition to him. 6 contested marks for casey (11 in total), 19 touches, 22 hitouts and a goal (on the back of 3 goals the week before - though reviews were not super complementary). Named in the best. We are pretty short for this game and I think he could stretch their defence without Lake.

Whilst my expectations are low, I'm more optimistic than going into the last two weeks.

just realised our 4 losses this year were against sides placed 1,4,5 and 6 on the ladder. The crows one was somewhat honourable too. Just trying to make myself feel better :D

I noted that this morning when I looked at the ladder too. Not sure I gain much confidence from it or not.