One of the features of Melbourne's improvement in 2016 was the way in which Watts stepped up and began to fulfil the promise he showed when he was drafted with the number one pick in the 2008 AFL draft. He started the 2016 AFL season with a great performance in the opening round against Greater Western Sydney with 18 disposals (10 marks) booting a goal and set up a couple of others. He went on to play a major role up forward with improved aggression at the ball and his superior disposal and his 196cm came in handy when used as a pinch-hitter in the ruck.

Games MFC 2016 22

Career Total 137

Goals MFC 2016 38

Career Total 121

Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy 308 votes (Fifth club champion Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy)

Brownlow Medal 5 votes

 

 

Needless to say that was a break through season for Jack.

Next year is very important and it will be interesting to see how he deals with the greater attention given to good players by the opposition. Time for him to win some real respect in the general football community for what we all know is a great talent.

Somehow I believe the ruck play did him the world of good.

Well done Jack on 2016 and here's to a great 2017 and beyond.

Great year by Jack, yet my heart remains in my mouth every time he goes into the ruck despite him playing the role admirably.

The sooner we get a 2nd ruck/fwd to allow Jack to play the 3rd tall forward, the better IMO.

I agree with all of the above and thankfully, we are past the stage where people will say, "not another Jack Watts thread". However, I know he still has a few critics left here and there and I personally hope he makes it his mission to build on 2016 and improve even further in 2017 and gets the chance to play in finals which are the pinnacle of this sport.

 

He shut up most of the football community with his footy this season. The bust tag has been put to bed.

If he continues to improve at the same rate next year as this .... Look out superstardom becons!! I reckon he can do it!

5 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Needless to say that was a break through season for Jack.

Next year is very important and it will be interesting to see how he deals with the greater attention given to good players by the opposition. Time for him to win some real respect in the general football community for what we all know is a great talent.

Somehow I believe the ruck play did him the world of good.

Well done Jack on 2016 and here's to a great 2017 and beyond.

I think the ruck spells helped by bringing him into the game. He rarely jumped high for the hitout (which is where most of the serious leg injuries happen), trying to just use his body and brains and provide a contest. He even managed to win a few clearances.

Oh, and there's no doubt he benefitted from better ball movement into the forward line, and he seems to have developed a really good understanding with Hogan.

Edited October 2, 20168 yr by Akum
Forgot to mention obvious points

2016 was a real step up  ...and into real footy.  He has arrived; now it's up to him what he can BE !!

Looking forward to his 2017 and beyond. Well done Jack 

So pleased to see Jack starting to fulfill his undoubted potential. As long as he keeps his intensity and work rate up, he will be a very good player for us over the remained of his career.

 

All looking good so far but next year is critical as he will get more attention.  Many players have had "breakout seasons" only to go backwards the next year.  

1 hour ago, Cranky Franky said:

All looking good so far but next year is critical as he will get more attention.  Many players have had "breakout seasons" only to go backwards the next year.  

I think he's been the object of a lot of attention for years. He's now beginning to understand how to deal with it, on and off the field.  imho

I would think if a trade did happen involving Jack he would be worth quite a bit now.

Papa bear of the forward line. Watch how players look to him for a pat on the head when they score or do well in a contest and how often he runs to offer encouragement. Together with his sublime skills as a linking forward he has become a true leader.

On 03/10/2016 at 3:02 PM, Cranky Franky said:

All looking good so far but next year is critical as he will get more attention.  Many players have had "breakout seasons" only to go backwards the next year.  

What so more attention for Jack and less for Jesse? We have so many players that are commanding more attention off the back of last season.. It's awesome.. 

Great, not another bl--dy Jack Watts thread

 

(on a serious note - couldn't be happier for the boy and hope his improvement continues) 

Love this guy. The amount of crap he's had to put up with, and he's consistently improved. Now one of the linch-pins of the side.

Fancy me posting in this thread.....