Jump to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Demonland

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (â‹®) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Farewell Jack Watts

Trade Jack Watts or not? 477 members have voted

  1. 1. Do we trade Jack Watts?

    • Yes.
      143
    • No.
      311

Please sign in or register to vote in this poll.

Featured Replies

1 hour ago, At the break of Gawn said:

Anyone listen to Roos on MMM around midday? He said that Watts was given no indication in the exit interview that he was going to be traded. Apparently the exit interview went ok (not great) but he certainly didn't think it was leading to a trade. If true, then that's poor transparency from Goodwin on that front. 

I really hope this isn't true.

Clear communication and role clarity are absolutely critical in running a high performance work environment.

I also still don't understand why Goodwin and others have spoken so openly about Watts' limitations in circumstances where they are not wishing to keep him and he:

- is known to be an enormously popular figure within the club; and

- has expressed his love of the club and desire to stay.

Makes no sense to me. Maintain a modicum of class and discuss the various trade options with other clubs more discretely.

 

 
1 minute ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

Watts to Geelong, Lang to North, Norths pick 21 to Melbourne. You heard it here first. 

#ETthetradebreaker. 

I'd be stoked with that. I'm sure we'd pass that pick 21 and pick on to Lever though just to sweeten it. Also, whats your source or just spinning sh!t 

Seriously who writes this captions? He is clearly not a free agent when he is still in contract.

Screenshot_20171010-145337.jpg

 
4 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

I really hope this isn't true.

Clear communication and role clarity are absolutely critical in running a high performance work environment.

I also still don't understand why Goodwin and others have spoken so openly about Watts' limitations in circumstances where they are not wishing to keep him and he:

- is known to be an enormously popular figure within the club; and

- has expressed his love of the club and desire to stay.

Makes no sense to me. Maintain a modicum of class and discuss the various trade options with other clubs more discretely.

 

A high performance work environment, does not necessarily mean it is a high performing work environment...soz, just had to get it off my chest...

3 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

I really hope this isn't true.

Clear communication and role clarity are absolutely critical in running a high performance work environment.

I also still don't understand why Goodwin and others have spoken so openly about Watts' limitations in circumstances where they are not wishing to keep him and he:

- is known to be an enormously popular figure within the club; and

- has expressed his love of the club and desire to stay.

Makes no sense to me. Maintain a modicum of class and discuss the various trade options with other clubs more discretely.

 

Precisely.  While making pragmatic football decisions - as is imperative in this day and age - the methodology seems a little off to me as well.


2 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

I really hope this isn't true.

Clear communication and role clarity are absolutely critical in running a high performance work environment.

I also still don't understand why Goodwin and others have spoken so openly about Watts' limitations in circumstances where they are not wishing to keep him and he:

- is known to be an enormously popular figure within the club; and

- has expressed his love of the club and desire to stay.

Makes no sense to me. Maintain a modicum of class and discuss the various trade options with other clubs more discretely.

 

Goodwin has barely said anything bad about Watts. He never mentioning anything specific about Watts not being professional, having no training standards, being soft at the footy etc. All he said was that he was in a 'rut'. Implying that he is in a form slump and maybe a new environment is a win win for everyone (truer words have never been said!). That's the nicest explanation anyone can offer. i've never understood people saying Goodwin didn't handle it right. 

3 minutes ago, Dr.D said:

I'd be stoked with that. I'm sure we'd pass that pick 21 and pick on to Lever though just to sweeten it. Also, whats your source or just spinning sh!t 

Not enough.  Watts in and Lang out at the cats?  They would be giggling behind their Patrick Dangerfield cardboard face-masks.

3 minutes ago, GCDee said:

Seriously who writes this captions? He is clearly not a free agent when he is still in contract.

Screenshot_20171010-145337.jpg

Perhaps they've formed the view they we're not wishing to honour the contract.

 

 
7 minutes ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

Watts to Geelong, Lang to North, Norths pick 21 to Melbourne. You heard it here first. 

#ETthetradebreaker. 

North are giving up pick 21 for Lang?

That's insane.


4 minutes ago, buck_nekkid said:

Not enough.  Watts in and Lang out at the cats?  They would be giggling behind their Patrick Dangerfield cardboard face-masks.

Meh, both fringe players. JW definitely is more valuable but we just want him gone so yeah, we will get 'unders' for him

2 minutes ago, Danelska said:

A high performance work environment, does not necessarily mean it is a high performing work environment...soz, just had to get it off my chest...

Just google 'high performance culture' - you'll get hundreds of articles on it from publications such as the Harvard Business Review. It's a very well known (and much abused) phrase.

 

43 minutes ago, Fifty-5 said:

Melksham and Hibberd return the salutation

They had the whip hand though

47 minutes ago, mo64 said:

They tell players collectively to be prepared for their name to be thrown up in trade discussions. But to tell an individual player is suicidal. Like I said, other deals could fall through, and the player who was told could crack the sh#ts, and say I want out.

The honesty is preferred so it doesn't surprise during trade week and ensure the player has the sh!ts. It's a business now; agents can push availability and players can, somewhat, shape the conversation.


2 hours ago, ProDee said:

I keep seeing the "Messiah" line being trotted out and there's no doubt that were very high expectations of a no. 1 pick (why wouldn't there be ?), but can anyone tell me the last year anyone still held those expectations ?

They're so long ago those early expectations are irrelevant. 

As an amateur Handel in this Messiah trotting, I don't think is has been suggested that anyone still thinks he is the messiah.  The argument is that the bitter over-reaction to him being a mediocre player is partly due to the disappointment starting 9 years ago, which probably ran for 3 or 4 years.  I agree those early expectation are irrelevent to a rational mind not suffering from the failed messiah complex.

It now seems pretty clear he did something to [censored] off the FD after seemingly atoning for his pre-season slackness.  After all he was marked high in the first 14 rounds by the coaches. Why would they do that if they didn't want to reward half-hearted behaviours?   Is there any evidence that the FD wanted him out until later? I haven't seen it.

 I was at a match a while back where this guy behind me abused Watts every time he went near the ball and was so busy abusing him he didn't even  notice Watts setting up a couple of goals from a difficult situation.  I think he was pretty typical of 'supporters' who suffered from the failed messiah complex.   Now that Watts has [censored] off the FD, they think they can justify their earlier abuse. 

1 hour ago, the rolling fog said:

What show was this on Gawny? 

Might try to track it down...

http://player.triplem.com.au/melbourne/#/shows/The Hot Breakfast/11397

Was actually in the morning. Start at the 48min mark.

Key points from the segment (also contains snippets of a small interview with Trac and Gawn regarding Watts)

- Gawn and Petracca surprised by the trade and don't want him to go. Trac said that if Mahoney and Viney think it's best for the club then so be it (maybe it's not Goody?). He's Gawny's best friend so he said he'll watch him in the stands anyway wherever he goes but would great to still have him around.

- Roos said Watts is an extremely popular player at the club. Roos was shocked with the news after his progress after the past 2 years

- Said Watts is not a player you can bring straight back from injury. He's not an elite endurance player and requires time to build that up again. Said the club should've taken some responsibility in bringing him back too early

- Roos/Goody were sick of talking about Watts just because he's a no.1 pick. Once you're in the system you're just an AFL player. Every player has strengths and weaknesses. Players need to take responsibility of their weaknesses but need nurturing/support

- Claimed that Watts won 6-8 games off his own boot the last two years.

- likened the strengths/weaknesses situation to Johannisen. JJ couldn't get a game under McCartney. Beveridge focused on his positives and used his strengths to good effect.

- Goody was really supportive of Watts at end of 2016. So is unsure what had changed with Goody's views, but Goody would be taking advice from whole FD.

- Watts thought exit interview went ok. Not completely positive. But nothing unusual.

- Watts was advised by Connors first he was going to be traded. Not by the club. 

- Just added the usual positives about Jack. Elite decision maker, beautiful kick etc etc. Is suited in a top 8 side.

 

 

Edited by At the break of Gawn

Sounds like the Club handled this as badly internally as externally.

23 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

Just google 'high performance culture' - you'll get hundreds of articles on it from publications such as the Harvard Business Review. It's a very well known (and much abused) phrase.

 

I know mate...work in the area... its too oft bandied about by those that are unaware .... mind you, we no longer talk about mental toughness either...

24 minutes ago, At the break of Gawn said:

http://player.triplem.com.au/melbourne/#/shows/The Hot Breakfast/11397

Was actually in the morning. Start at the 48min mark.

Key points from the segment (also contains snippets of a small interview with Trac and Gawn regarding Watts)

- Gawn and Petracca surprised by the trade and don't want him to go. Trac said that if Mahoney and Viney think it's best for the club then so be it (maybe it's not Goody?). He's Gawny's best friend so he said he'll watch him in the stands anyway wherever he goes but would great to still have him around.

- Roos said Watts is an extremely popular player at the club. Roos was shocked with the news after his progress after the past 2 years

- Said Watts is not a player you can bring straight back from injury. He's not an elite endurance player and requires time to build that up again. Said the club should've taken some responsibility in bringing him back too early

- Roos/Goody were sick of talking about Watts just because he's a no.1 pick. Once you're in the system you're just an AFL player. Every player has strengths and weaknesses. Players need to take responsibility of their weaknesses but need nurturing/support

- Claimed that Watts won 6-8 games off his own boot the last two years.

- likened the strengths/weaknesses situation to Johannisen. JJ couldn't get a game under McCartney. Beveridge focused on his positives and used his strengths to good effect.

- Goody was really supportive of Watts at end of 2016. So is unsure what had changed with Goody's views, but Goody would be taking advice from whole FD.

- Watts thought exit interview went ok. Not completely positive. But nothing unusual.

- Watts was advised by Connors first he was going to be traded. Not by the club. 

- Just added the usual positives about Jack. Elite decision maker, beautiful kick etc etc. Is suited in a top 8 side.

 

 

I have to say - the above neatly sums up my view in relation to the Watts situation exactly. 

I don't know why it's such a controversial viewpoint to some here.

 


20 minutes ago, At the break of Gawn said:

http://player.triplem.com.au/melbourne/#/shows/The Hot Breakfast/11397

- Roos said Watts is an extremely popular player at the club. Roos was shocked with the news after his progress after the past 2 years

- Said Watts is not a player you can bring straight back from injury. He's not an elite endurance player and requires time to build that up again. Said the club should've taken some responsibility in bringing him back too early

- Claimed that Watts won 6-8 games off his own boot the last two years.

 

Roos gets away with shooting his mouth off without anybody questioning him. I'd take him to task on the above points.

 - His progress in the latter of his past 2 years resulted in a 21st placed finish in the B&F. But obviously Roos knows better than those that he left in charge.

- If Watts isn't an elite endurance player, then what is his role in the team? He's not a KPF. He's hasn't got explosive pace like Garlett. Without elite endurance or pace, you don't survive as an outside player. And Watts needs to take responsibility for his own recovery from injury instead of jetting off to Byron Bay, which Roos conveniently left out.

- I can't think of 1 game where Watts has won it off his own boot, let alone 6-8. He may have made a significant contribution, but that's different to being a matchwinner.

Roos is full of sh#t.

47 minutes ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

The trade breaker. 

the stench maker..

2 minutes ago, Ron Burgundy said:

I have to say - the above neatly sums up my view in relation to the Watts situation exactly. 

I don't know why it's such a controversial viewpoint to some here.

 

Also had a listen to the Paul Connors interview on SEN just then.

- Watts has got his head around now leaving the MFC

- Watts would want a good relationship coach. Sort've said he's a bit tired of people who doesn't praise the things he does really well yet Jack never avoids chatting about his limitations. 

https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=147059

 

 
1 hour ago, jackaub said:

dont tell me 10 and 21 to Adelaide?

way to much for Lever

WAY WAY too much! Other clubs taking us for a ride.

2 minutes ago, mo64 said:

Roos gets away with shooting his mouth off without anybody questioning him. I'd take him to task on the above points.

 - His progress in the latter of his past 2 years resulted in a 21st placed finish in the B&F. But obviously Roos knows better than those that he left in charge.

- If Watts isn't an elite endurance player, then what is his role in the team? He's not a KPF. He's hasn't got explosive pace like Garlett. Without elite endurance or pace, you don't survive as an outside player. And Watts needs to take responsibility for his own recovery from injury instead of jetting off to Byron Bay, which Roos conveniently left out.

- I can't think of 1 game where Watts has won it off his own boot, let alone 6-8. He may have made a significant contribution, but that's different to being a matchwinner.

Roos is full of sh#t.

I've jumped between the two sides of keep or kick in the last few days but this is kind of how I felt after reading what Roos said as well. Couldn't help but roll my eyes when it came to the part about him not being a player you could bring straight back in. Give me a spell. Were we supposed to give Jack 6 weeks off for his hammy?


Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Featured Content

  • The Bailey Humphrey Thread

    The Demons are hoping to entice Gold Coast young gun Bailey Humphrey from the Suns as part of a trade deal for champion Demon Christian Petracca.

      • Like
    • 2,162 replies
  • The Christian Petracca Thread

    Premiership Norm Smith Medalist Christian Petracca has nominated the Gold Coast as his club of choice to be traded to.

      • Like
    • 982 replies
  • The Clayton Oliver Thread

    Melbourne have held talks with Clayton Oliver and they’ve laid out where he fits in under Steve King’s vision and been frank about expectations. Oliver is still under contract for five years, but the door is open if he wants to explore his options elsewhere.

      • Clap
      • Like
    • 1,302 replies
  • AFLW PREVIEW: Essendon

    It’s Pink Lady night at Princes Park — a vibey Friday evening setting for a high-stakes clash between second-placed Melbourne and eleventh-placed Essendon. The wind-sheltered IKON Park, a favourite ground of the Demon players, promises flair, fire and a touch of pink. Melbourne has never lost a home-and-away game here, though the ghosts of two straight-sets finals exits in 2023 still linger. 

    • 0 replies
  • 2025 Player Reviews: # 1 Steven May 

    The premiership defender has shown signs of wear and tear due to age, and his 2025 season was inconsistent, ending poorly with a suspension and a noticeable decline in performance. The Demons are eager to integrate younger players onto their list and have indicated that they may not be able to guarantee him senior games next season, in what would be the final year of his contract.

    • 10 replies
  • 2025 Player Reviews: # 2 Jacob van Rooyen

    The young key tall failed to make progress during the season, with a decline in his goal kicking output. His secondary role as a backup ruckman, which may have hindered his ability to further develop his game, and he was also impacted by the team's poor forward connection. It will be interesting to observe his performance under a new coaching regime.

      • Vomit
      • Like
    • 43 replies

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.