2015 Player Review - # 4 Jack Watts

[Demonland 73,140]

The real enigma of the club, a player who has great skills but can't always produce the intensity of effort needed to step up to a higher level of performance. Still wears the mantle of # 1 draft choice heavily and his form tapered off late in the season to the point where he was dropped for the final game.

Games MFC 2015 20

Career Total 115

Goals MFC 2015 10

Career Total 83

Games CSFC 2015 1

Goals CSFC 2015 1

Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 99 votes

[Deeman 1,512]

Please!

Not another Jack Watts thread?

[Whispering_Jack 30,664]

Please!

Not another Jack Watts thread?

Fair enough. I've closed down the other thread and while we might have exhausted all possible areas of discussion on this player, I have a feeling there's more to come.

[hardtack 10,627]

Fair enough. I've closed down the other thread and while we might have exhausted all possible areas of discussion on this player, I have a feeling there's more to come.

Or, to be precise, more of the same.

[whatwhat say what 22,946]

clearly he's one of the most naturally talented players on the list.

clearly he doesn't make the most of those skills.

he's trade bait; the question is more what would other clubs pay for him? i expect a second round draft pick at best; more likely it'll be a third rounder from a strong club, which is really the equivalent of a fourth rounder, and in this year's weak draft, perhaps the equivalent of a fifth rounder in a strong draft.

he's fallen a long, long way.

quite frankly, if the deal was watts for melksham i wouldn't be surprised. both players have spots on them.

[beelzebub 23,383]

So......

[hardtack 10,627]

clearly he's one of the most naturally talented players on the list.

clearly he doesn't make the most of those skills.

he's trade bait; the question is more what would other clubs pay for him? i expect a second round draft pick at best; more likely it'll be a third rounder from a strong club, which is really the equivalent of a fourth rounder, and in this year's weak draft, perhaps the equivalent of a fifth rounder in a strong draft.

he's fallen a long, long way.

quite frankly, if the deal was watts for melksham i wouldn't be surprised. both players have spots on them.

I get the feeling that the club may put him up as trade bait, but I also get the feeling that if they can't get a good return for him, they won't be unhappy to still have him on the list.

[FarNorthernD 5,861]

Does anyone actually think the penny will actually drop for Jack? In a perfect world if he could put some steel and hardness into his game he could be a valuable player. Surely coming 18th in the B & F has got to be a wake up call to him?

[dazzledavey36 55,347]

Does anyone actually think the penny will actually drop for Jack? In a perfect world if he could put some steel and hardness into his game he could be a valuable player. Surely coming 18th in the B & F has got to be a wake up call to him?

No

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,408]

Ralphus Maximus mentioned in the other thread he would go alright in a good team. I couldn't disagree more, in finals the pressure and pace of the game goes up a notch. Star players were making mistakes, inside and outside players at times had to win their own ball. The contest was fierce. Granted Watts is more talented then Frawley but he too would be shown up on the big stage.

Watts - dropped twice during the year. Elite decision making/skills. Doesn't impact games at all.

Grimes - dropped numerous times during the year. Decision making/skills not up to it. He does compete.

Howe - most likely asked to be treated. Competes on his terms.

Garland - decision making/skills not up to it. We have Frost and Oscar Mac. Competes on his terms.

If we apply the "finals template" to those four it's easy to see why they all must go. Try and get something for Howe, the other three take whatever we can get. If you think we won't get much this year, it will be even less next year.

Doors - A plodder, paid big $$ dollars to take marks/kick goals, struggles to do both.

The Prince - doesn't get enough off it, doesn't do enough with it, ordinary disposal.

Two highly overrated players. Unfortunately I think we are stuck with them. Both played in a premiership but the game has gone past them. Both didn't justify the money they're on.

Doors would have to have a massive change of form to be re-singed. Even if fit he's not best 22 for mine.

The club has indicated its taking a tough stand. I'm curious to what happens over the trade/draft period this year and next.

Edited September 13, 2015 by Al's Demons

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

I have no doubt that every player on the list (including Watts) knows exactly where they stand with the club.

It beggars belief to think otherwise. This whole 'penny drops' stuff is annoying to read.

Perhaps he's not cut out for the type of football Roos demands - but I feel confident he knows exactly where he stands and what is expected of him.

I think Watts can still be a really good player. Unfortunately that might very well be at a different club.

[Tony Tea 2,809]

AFL footy is all about big boys knocking over big boys, grunt, power aggression and intensity. I agree 100% with Nathan Burke: "In short, talent is overrated."

[Nasher 33,617]

Hands up who's tired of talking about Jack Watts?

*raises hand*

I'd be surprised if anyone has anything to say on Watts that I haven't seen or read before, dozens of times. Not going to bother opening this thread again (possibly idle threat - I probably won't be able to help myself).

[McQueen 17,867]

I have no doubt that every player on the list (including Watts) knows exactly where they stand with the club.

It beggars belief to think otherwise. This whole 'penny drops' stuff is annoying to read.

Perhaps he's not cut out for the type of football Roos demands - but I feel confident he knows exactly where he stands and what is expected of him.

I think Watts can still be a really good player. Unfortunately that might very well be at a different club.

I share similar sentiments, Ron.

Our team still consists of a lot of inconsistent performers and for us to become a strong team we can't afford to carry them forward.

Watts played 20 games this year and had a patch of form that showed he's got the potential to play a harder brand of footy. He's quick and has great skills but I can't help but feel Misson and the conditioning guys should aim to stack another 5 kilos on to Jack. Maybe that will be of more benefit to him by having a bigger and stronger body for Roos contested football.

I don't wish to see him traded and believe Macca and Goody have a plan for him.

[The Stigga 1,094]

I have no doubt that every player on the list (including Watts) knows exactly where they stand with the club.

It beggars belief to think otherwise. This whole 'penny drops' stuff is annoying to read.

Perhaps he's not cut out for the type of football Roos demands - but I feel confident he knows exactly where he stands and what is expected of him.

I think Watts can still be a really good player. Unfortunately that might very well be at a different club.

I think some may still believe that he can turn out like David Mundy. Tall, mobile, lovely skilled and didn't hit is peak until 27-28.

I just don't think Jack has the tough, contested side of the game to get there.

[jnrmac 20,186]

Don't look at what the coaches say about Watts. Look at the votes in the Bluey. Watts came 18th with 99 pts. That really says it all.

Dropped in the last game, Dropped himself during the year.

The most disappointing player on the list bar none. The most frustrating and polarising player on our list bar none.

Has great skills with the ball in hand and is an elite decision maker. Thats it.

[dazzledavey36 55,347]

Don't look at what the coaches say about Watts. Look at the votes in the Bluey. Watts came 18th with 99 pts. That really says it all.

Dropped in the last game, Dropped himself during the year.

The most disappointing player on the list bar none. The most frustrating and polarising player on our list bar none.

Has great skills with the ball in hand and is an elite decision maker. Thats it.

He isn't an elite decision maker.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

7 years is enough

[dee-luded 2,959]

7 years is enough

ahh, the itch...

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,408]

I have no doubt that every player on the list (including Watts) knows exactly where they stand with the club.

It beggars belief to think otherwise. This whole 'penny drops' stuff is annoying to read.

Perhaps he's not cut out for the type of football Roos demands - but I feel confident he knows exactly where he stands and what is expected of him.

I think Watts can still be a really good player. Unfortunately that might very well be at a different club.

Its posts like these that have me thinking I must be watching a different game.

"Perhaps he's not cut out for the type of football Roos demands", I'm not sure what you mean. Do you honestly think there is a club or coach out there that doesn't demand their players compete?

I think the the whole outside player thing is dead. You're either inside or both. Examples being Rioli, Pendles, Salem, most of the Bulldogs list.

Have you been watching the finals Ron? Everyone at some stage has had to put their head over the footy and win their own ball or compete in the air. When he tackles his opponent still gets the ball out.

When clubs are doing opposition analysis his opponent will be told to get in his face and crunch him in the tackle. He will then go missing.

If Watts is not traded this year I think next year will be his last in the game. If after three years under Roos he still refuses to compete he will be outcast.

If traded he wouldn't get more than two years. By round six next year his new club will be regretting picking him up.

And for those who still argue we didn't develop him properly, you are wrong. Was he played a year too early....yes. Was his whole development stuffed....no. He arrived at the club with great skills and footy smarts. They have improved, even if only 5-10%, but they have improved from being involved in an AFL club.

Footy is cutthroat. He's not up to it. Should of stuck with basketball.

[Sir Why You Little 37,128]

I thought Wattsy would improve dramatically under Roos. But not much has changed in 2 years.

It is not the Coach. It is entirely up to Jack

He just doesn't have the fire in the belly to compete beyond his comfort zone. I don't think he knows how to

As a kid at school he never had to push himself on the Sport Field. He was already better.

This is what he lacks and always has.

[Bombay Airconditioning 6,408]

He isn't an elite decision maker.

I don't agree with this.

[stuie 7,374]

As a kid at school he never had to push himself on the Sport Field. He was already better.

This is what he lacks and always has.

I always thought you were a bit older WYL? And now we find out you were in Watts' class at school... Amazing.

[Sir Why You Little 37,128]

I always thought you were a bit older WYL? And now we find out you were in Watts' class at school... Amazing.

My Father and Brother went right through school at BGS so i have seen quite a few games of footy on New St. over the years.

Nice try Stuie...

[sydneydee 689]

Against popular belief I hope that Watts stays. He has showed signs of using his speed and skills while playing forward and had some great assists throughout the year. Everyone knows that we need his skills in the team we just need him to get more off it.

I would give him one more year and lose his as a FA next year where the compensation is likely to be higher than trading him for a fringe player or late 2nd round draft pick.