Jump to content


Recommended Posts

Posted

I recall Roos saying recently that Jack has always been a well liked player around the club, as in he got on with everyone and was "one of the boys", however he has started to realise that earning their respect is a different thing and by playing good football is the way to do that. 

FWIW I think Jack has the potential to be in the leadership group next year (or the year after). He seems to be showing a lot  more passion and becoming quite demonstrative out on the field which is something we haven't seen. These observations alone show the penny has finally dropped for Jack, but I just can't help but wonder why it's taken him so long to care about his football. The positive is though, it's probably an environmental thing which has fostered this change so the football club is cultivating a much better culture these days.

  • Like 3

Posted
3 hours ago, demon9 said:

I recall Roos saying recently that Jack has always been a well liked player around the club, as in he got on with everyone and was "one of the boys", however he has started to realise that earning their respect is a different thing and by playing good football is the way to do that. 

FWIW I think Jack has the potential to be in the leadership group next year (or the year after). He seems to be showing a lot  more passion and becoming quite demonstrative out on the field which is something we haven't seen. These observations alone show the penny has finally dropped for Jack, but I just can't help but wonder why it's taken him so long to care about his football. The positive is though, it's probably an environmental thing which has fostered this change so the football club is cultivating a much better culture these days.

At a guess, I'd say:

  • He's definitely more physically mature this year - finally.
  • This is the first year he's been played in the same position every game so far.
  • He's developing a great understanding with Hogan in particular. The best passes both of them receive are from each other, and at times they seem to be able to anticipate where the other one is likely to be leading before they actually look. And they're learning to keep out of each other's space (other forwards less so) and even to create space for the other to run into.
  • Our ball movement into the forward line this year is definitely faster, and our press to keep it in there for successive minutes is definitely better. We still lose a lot on that final kick into the f50, and our mids need to learn the concept of "kicking to advantage", but overall the delivery to the forward line has improved.

What I'd like him to do now is to feel free to have a crack at goal whenever he gets the ball in the f50, even if he's in a tight situation. There were about 3 occasions on Sunday where, instead of having a ping (like Petracca did in the first couple of minutes), he tried a dinky little pass to find someone in a better position and the chance was lost. If Watts has the ball in f50 and he's under pressure, there's more chance of a goal coming from a snap over his shoulder than from him trying a dinky little pass to look for someone in a better position in a congested space. Get in his ear Tracc!! 

  • Like 1

Posted
On 6/18/2016 at 3:50 PM, ProDee said:

So entering his prime years and with 8 seasons under his belt you're satisfied if he's holding his spot in the best 22 ?

Here's a spade, so you can start digging and set the bar even lower. 

Why you think it's disingenuous to use this season as a benchmark as we move forward is beyond me. 

Agreed. How wonderful to have a team of players performing at minimum standard.

I'm sure that's how Hawthorn have won all of their flags.

Posted (edited)
12 hours ago, Vogon Poetry said:

Thanks Nut. Can you just clarify this:

"Am I right in thinking your minimum standards have nothing to do with whether he should be on our list or in our team but where you thought he would be better or worse than he actually was?   "

A player being better or worse than I thought should dictate whether a player is in the team and ultimately on the list.

And that is where it is so subjective.

If I take it as gospel that we tried to offload Watts last year then I can assume that the footy department didn't think he was delivering what he could deliver  - he was dropped from the team and put on the trade table. 

To me each player will be measured differently. To me Gartlett is the far superior small forward to Kent and to my mind they have had similar seasons but I feel Gartlett was axed because he was not working hard enough. I think the expectation of Gartlett is higher than Kent. 

To me Nev Jetta is a 7/10 player. As long as Jetta performs like a 7/10 player or thereabouts he will stay in the team until a 8/10 player comes along who can take his spot. (I know everyone loves Nev on this site as do I - the reason is you get exactly the same from him week in and week out  - the difference between his best and worst is marginal - but he certainly has his weaknesses - he gets burned for speed and doesn't offer enough offense) Ro Bail got lots of games in his first year of Roos because he played to the best of his ability and there was no one better to take his spot. That changed. Dawes is a limited player but in most games plays to his ability and plays his role. He will stay in the team because of this until the likes of more talented footballers like the Weed are ready to take his spot.

As a supporter i have completely different expectations of Dawes and Hogan. So Watts has been in and out of the team and on the trade table last year because he was not playing to expectation. This year he has delivered good football consistently and is rightly being applauded. (if i was backwards looking i would ask why it took so long - but that is pointless). But he hasn't lifted his skills this years - they are pretty much the same as they have been since his 2nd or 3rd year. He has lifted his intent. So he has reached a level this year that will earn him a new contract and that is based on his intent. However I think he still has periods where his intent drops off and we still some of the old Jack - I think he can take his game to a new level by maintaining and lifting his intent.

 

Note  - one does need shift their expectation based on reality. The Ox's knees reco's meant I expected less of him later in his career. Ox's intent never dropped off - just his ability to do what he did prior to the injuries. Judd's game changed in the last years at Carlton - he was not the same explosive footballer he was earlier as he pace dropped off - but his intent never dropped off. It's all about intent

Edited by nutbean
  • Like 2
Posted
5 hours ago, nutbean said:

If I take it as gospel that we tried to offload Watts last year then I can assume that the footy department didn't think he was delivering what he could deliver  - he was dropped from the team and put on the trade table. 

As a supporter i have completely different expectations of Dawes and Hogan. 

Thanks Nut, I was really after a one word answer and I'm more confused than ever now but we'll move on.

I also heard from a reliable source that Watts was on the table meaning we were prepared to sell him for a price.  It doesn't mean we didn't want him, only that we suspected he might have a higher value in the market than we thought he was worth and that we thought he  had/has weaknesses we thought were serious but not fatal.  If he'd been delisted he would have been on an AFL list somewhere meaning he had a price.

And in the hope of a simple answer do Dawes and Hogan have the same "minimum standard" to be selected in the seniors?

  • Like 1

Posted
1 hour ago, TeamPlayedFine39 said:

Absolute legend Jack.  After all he's been through -  still loyal, still keen to see success at Dee's & making re-signing sound simple.  Pity T Mac & Co aren't made of the same stuff.

  • Like 2

Posted

Watts is going to kick around 35 goals himself this year, but his skills, class and smarts will create at least that many more for his team mates.

I am involved at a different AFL club and i can tell you the respect for Jack outside the MFC has gone through the roof this year, he would have attracted significant interest if he remained unsigned. 

  • Like 6
Posted (edited)
45 minutes ago, Abe said:

Watts is going to kick around 35 goals himself this year, but his skills, class and smarts will create at least that many more for his team mates.

I am involved at a different AFL club and i can tell you the respect for Jack outside the MFC has gone through the roof this year, he would have attracted significant interest if he remained unsigned. 

Hmmmmm .............Interesting.  Anything else for us ....?

Edited by Bigred
duplication

Posted
On 6/22/2016 at 8:14 PM, Bigred said:

Hmmmmm .............Interesting.  Anything else for us for us.....?

Respect is growing, that's all that really matters here, it's not just jack either, a few clubs are a bit jealous of the quality of our kids.

  • Like 6
Posted

Just got some shorts from Jacks side business. Great quality shorts and it even came with a signed picture of himself. Get on it guys! Skwosh!

  • Like 1
Posted
2 hours ago, Abe said:

Watts is going to kick around 35 goals himself this year, but his skills, class and smarts will create at least that many more for his team mates.

I am involved at a different AFL club and i can tell you the respect for Jack outside the MFC has gone through the roof this year, he would have attracted significant interest if he remained unsigned. 

You've outed yourself now Abe- Demonlanders are going to be beating your door down in trade week.

Posted (edited)
22 hours ago, Vogon Poetry said:

Thanks Nut, I was really after a one word answer and I'm more confused than ever now but we'll move on.

 

Come now...you must have read my posts - why answer something in one word when i can use 201 words....

Watts has reached my minimum output level ( we know my expectation counts for nothing but you asked). If he maintains this we have a good footballer. If he delivers minimum output as per now - he stays in the team and the list with the proviso that another club doesn't offer us a deal way above his worth .I believe him to be able to deliver way more - not because of improved skill - but because of him lifting his intent even further.

 

(that's as concise as i can get)

Edited by nutbean
  • Like 1

Posted
1 hour ago, nutbean said:

Come now...you must have read my posts - why answer something in one word when i can use 201 words....

Were you 'waffling' again Nut? 

I prefer waffles.

  • Like 2
Posted (edited)

Could Jack Watts be on the move next year?

Headline of Nick Bowen's chat forum on afl.com.au today.

It would just be plain bizarre if Watts left after a career best year, the happiest he's ever been at MFC and the fact that he declared that his coach saved his career.

What is Bowen getting at?

 

Edited by Bring-Back-Powell
Posted
5 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Could Jack Watts be on the move next year?

Headline of Nick Bowen's chat forum on afl.com.au today.

It would just be plain bizarre if Watts left after a career best year, the happiest he's ever been at MFC and the fact that he declared that his coach saved his career.

What is Bowen getting at?

 

Click bait - it's a pretty boring free agency pool this year.

  • Like 4

Posted
6 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Could Jack Watts be on the move next year?

Headline of Nick Bowen's chat forum on afl.com.au today.

It would just be plain bizarre if Watts left after a career best year, the happiest he's ever been at MFC and the fact that he declared that his coach saved his career.

What is Bowen getting at?

 

Maybe he has a better relationship with Roos than Goodwin? Maybe maybe maybe. We live in a football world that is all about rumour, innuendo, and news creation.

All I know is that nothing is certain in this world but unless there is a definite decision made and communicated we get lost in a world of paranoia and speculation. I have learnt to enjoy the moment and let the future take care of itself. If the club does the right thing, I am sure Jack will be a one club player.  

  • Like 1
Posted
2 hours ago, H_T said:

Were you 'waffling' again Nut? 

I prefer waffles.

The "again" was superfluous therefore making the question rhetorical.

In the famous words of Descartes on eating his breakfast  - "I waffle therefore I am"

  • Like 1

Posted
7 minutes ago, nutbean said:

The "again" was superfluous therefore making the question rhetorical.

In the famous words of Descartes on eating his breakfast  - "I waffle therefore I am"

Descarte   ..or ....  A la Carte ?  ^_^

  • Like 3
Posted
3 hours ago, beelzebub said:

Descarte   ..or ....  A la Carte ?  ^_^

I think Descartes eats a la carte ... does that therefore mean that I am? ☺?

  • Like 3
Posted (edited)
23 minutes ago, Red and Bluebeard said:

I think Descartes eats a la carte ... does that therefore mean that I am? ☺?

Very profound and clever, RandB

Edited by Lucifer's Hero
  • Like 1
Posted
11 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Very profound and clever, RandB

Yes, this is all very profound (and tres witty); but WTF does it have to do with Jacques Watts?

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)
31 minutes ago, small but forward said:

Yes, this is all very profound (and tres witty); but WTF does it have to do with Jacques Watts?

Zip!!

Its bye week - any distraction, especially if witty is welcome...I think:huh:

 

All threads may get derailed this weekend as we all suffer from severe 'no-game' withdrawal symptoms...I think:huh:

Edited by Lucifer's Hero
  • Like 1

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    TRAINING: Friday 22nd November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force on a scorching morning out at Gosch's Paddock for the final session before the whole squad reunites for the Preseason Training Camp. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It’s going to be a scorcher today but I’m in the shade at Gosch’s Paddock ready to bring you some observations from the final session before the Preseason Training Camp next week.  Salem, Fritsch & Campbell are already on the track. Still no number on Campbell’s

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    UP IN LIGHTS by Whispering Jack

    Those who watched the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships closely this year would not be particularly surprised that Melbourne selected Victoria Country pair Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay on the first night of the AFL National Draft. The two left-footed midfielders are as different as chalk and cheese but they had similar impacts in their Coates Talent League teams and in the National Championships in 2024. Their interstate side was edged out at the very end of the tournament for tea

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    TRAINING: Wednesday 20th November 2024

    It’s a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ve arrived early to bring you my observations from today’s session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Reigning Keith Bluey Truscott champion Jack Viney is the first one out on the track.  Jack’s wearing the red version of the new training guernsey which is the only version available for sale at the Demon Shop. TRAINING: Viney, Clarry, Lever, TMac, Rivers, Petty, McVee, Bowey, JVR, Hore, Tom Campbell (in tr

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 18th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock for the final week of training for the 1st to 4th Years until they are joined by the rest of the senior squad for Preseason Training Camp in Mansfield next week. WAYNE RUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS No Ollie, Chin, Riv today, but Rick & Spargs turned up and McDonald was there in casual attire. Seston, and Howes did a lot of boundary running, and Tom Campbell continued his work with individual trainer in non-MFC

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #11 Max Gawn

    Champion ruckman and brilliant leader, Max Gawn earned his seventh All-Australian team blazer and constantly held the team up on his shoulders in what was truly a difficult season for the Demons. Date of Birth: 30 December 1991 Height: 209cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 224 Goals MFC 2024: 11 Career Total: 109 Brownlow Medal Votes: 13 Melbourne Football Club: 2nd Best & Fairest: 405 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 12

    2024 Player Reviews: #36 Kysaiah Pickett

    The Demons’ aggressive small forward who kicks goals and defends the Demons’ ball in the forward arc. When he’s on song, he’s unstoppable but he did blot his copybook with a three week suspension in the final round. Date of Birth: 2 June 2001 Height: 171cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 106 Goals MFC 2024: 36 Career Total: 161 Brownlow Medal Votes: 3 Melbourne Football Club: 4th Best & Fairest: 369 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Friday 15th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers took advantage of the beautiful sunshine to head down to Gosch's Paddock and witness the return of Clayton Oliver to club for his first session in the lead up to the 2025 season. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clarry in the house!! Training: JVR, McVee, Windsor, Tholstrup, Woey, Brown, Petty, Adams, Chandler, Turner, Bowey, Seston, Kentfield, Laurie, Sparrow, Viney, Rivers, Jefferson, Hore, Howes, Verrall, AMW, Clarry Tom Campbell is here

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #7 Jack Viney

    The tough on baller won his second Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in a narrow battle with skipper Max Gawn and Alex Neal-Bullen and battled on manfully in the face of a number of injury niggles. Date of Birth: 13 April 1994 Height: 178cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 219 Goals MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 66 Brownlow Medal Votes: 8

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the rain and headed down to Gosch's paddock to bring you their observations from the second day of Preseason training for the 1st to 4th Year players. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training today. Richo spoke to me and said not to believe what is in the media, as we will good this year. Jefferson and Kentfield looked big and strong.  Petty was doing all the training. Adams looked like he was in rehab.  KE

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...