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Before today I have never taken pen to paper to discuss a potential trade but the thought of Melbourne trading Jack Watts has me both livid and incredulous. I'll briefly outline my reasons why: There is no one in the team you would rather have shooting for goal after the siren under pressure (a la Pies game this year). His foot skills are equisite He is simply our most naturally gifted disposer/distributor of the ball He and Hogan have an uncanny ability to find each other in the forward line He can pinch hit in the ruck He has handled enormous expectations and pressure over 10 years with a rare courage and dignity He,along with Jones, has been through a dark period in Melbourne's history and deserves to participate in the resurgence I understand he is much loved character within the team We have a dearth of quality players in the 25-30 year old bracket Obviously he has his weaknesses, and is not an in and under mongrel like Viney/Jones/Oliver. But not everyone has to be cut from that cloth. You also need finishers. There are reports his attitude is not at the required level. Well isn't that Goodwin's and the army of assistant coaches job to instill it? Or are they walking away from that responsibility? Loyalty is perhaps a jaded concept in AFL these days, but if anyone has bled red and blue over the past decade it has been Watts (and Jones). I implore MFC to keep him at the club.

run for cover dude

Message to MFC Trade Jack Watts and I will buy FIVE memberships to make up for the impulsive clowns who are acting like we are shipping out prime Robbie Flower or David Neitz

It's clear that the winning the contest is non-negotiable for Simon Goodwin and it is negotiable for Jack Watts. This has been made clear to Jack and he has been unable to modify his behaviour. We have been decent in contested ground balls but we are pathetic at the aerial contest and Jack Watts at 196cm offers nothing here. So he will be traded. The last 2 GFs vindicate this position - contested possessions Tigers 170 v Crows 140, Dogs 172 v Swans 149 - the less talented team won both flags - it's that simple. Looking at market value. Jake Melksham for 25, Michael Hibberd for 29 and late pick upgrade. That where he sits.

Would laugh if he nominated the MFC as his preferred club!

Barrett and Wallace on Trade Radio - Collingwood was interested in Lever, and still are, but have been told no, it's Melbourne

Understand these comments. As a loyalist I hate to see players go. Call it sentimentality or stupidity but I hate to see players traded particularly those who have been loyal to the club and have good skills. Like others, Jack has frustrated the hell out of me at times, particularly with his defensive game and chasing. However, -he is skilled and has attributes lacking in most of his team mates, -a beautiful set shot for goal. -creative, reads the play and his passing accuracy by foot is superb and creates opportunities. Under pressure his decision making is quick and his disposal usually accurate. -has speed. -can play all over the ground,and, importantly can ruck, important for 2018 with our only key ruckman being Gawn, a player with a high injury risk. In regard to 2017, he had a pretty good season. He did well up forward and did well in the ruck. He then did his hammy and was struggling when he came back, just like Maxy. It just seems a strange time to let him go after his 2017 season. The only unknown to me is his off-field stuff and attitude around Goodwin, other coaches and players. The "cultural issues" that is clearly a driver for Goodwin. The only other comment is that I have been around the place long enough to know that "difference" is never tolerated or treated well in organisations. There is an existing social order and convention in all organisations that produce conformity in behaviour, attitude and views. I also know that there is always a prejudice against different cats and they suffer intolerance and unfairness. However, good organisations have a collective of different types of people that bring something to the table. if properly recognized, these same people can be excellent team players if allowed a bit of freedom and support. I have seen too many talented people let go or forced to resign because they were different. Bosses and footy coaches don't value what they bring to the table. Good teams have a group of different characters that are still team orientated. Richmond is a case in point. OK, I hear the critics say that Jack has been given many chances over now a relatively long career of 9 years and 150 odd games, however, I will be sad to see him go and think the timing is not right. I see we potentially lose more than we gain over the next 12 months. Jeremy Howe is a recent example of a player that was let go, yet has flourished at the Pies. I also think that clubs, but particularly Melbourne has to be very careful how it treats loyalty. It is becoming a rare commodity and should be valued and not trashed. Perhaps removing Watts can improve the culture if he adversely impacts his teammates, but it could also adversely impact the team if he is a positive influence.

Ménage a trade.

I wrote to the Club re Jack and received this response "Thank you for taking the time to contact the Melbourne Football Club.As you can imagine, list management is one of the most critical and important aspects of all AFL Clubs and in such a competitive industry, decisions must be made with the Club's success as the main focus. At the end of the season, both Jack and the Club met to have a mature discussion about the future. Both parties agreed that after 9 years at the Club, the timing was right for Jack to explore potential opportunities for 2018. This does not mean Jack is leaving the Club. He is a contracted player and if we believe that after looking at all the options, the best thing is for Jack to remain at the footy club, then that will happen. Similarly, if a deal presents itself that satisfies both the Club and Jack, then we will explore that as an option during the trade period. The Club's number one priority is to improve our playing list and that will be the driving force behind any decision made in this area. As soon as any decision during the upcoming trade period is finalised, we will ensure that this is communicated to our supporters and members.Thank you again for your support and we look forward to having you on board in 2018!"Kind regards, Stephanie Breheny MFC

Sorry '25', attitude is the players responsibility. A coach can't be expected to turn it around, the player has to want to make the changes...it's called personal responsibility, taking responsibility for your own actions.

McDermott, McGuinness (captain) & A Jarman were at least 3 of them. I can understand the angst from Melbourne supporters, Watts is a seemingly well liked player around the club, he is well liked by supporters and he has lifted his performance over the last 18 months. He does possess attributes that we seem to be short on. But there has to be a reason the FD is looking to move him on. Goodwin isn't going to deliberately sabotage the team due to some personal dislike he may have for Watts (if a personal dislike even exists). In a situation like this I find myself having no other option but to support the club and FD and assuming they are making the correct decision. Of course clubs have made mistakes before however this current admin does have runs on the board so should be given the benefit of the doubt. What I sincerely hope doesn't happen is that supporters start turning on the coach, FD and club based on this decision as, like I said, they have the runs on the board over the last few off-seasons and deserve our support. They are trying to improve the team and club to build towards a premiership, this is their careers on the line too. I'll back them in at this stage and continue to support the club. The last thing this club needs is to get back to infighting especially from supporters and media commentators such as Schwarz who don't know the full story.

I'm only posting here as its literally the only way to vent my frustrations about this whole fiasco. I find it unbelievable that we couldn't last longer than a year without Roos before exhibiting the same dysfunctional traits which were so prevalent during the Neeld years. The character assassination of Jack Watts in this thread is unbelievable. He's a party boy? HA. But what is more frustrating is seeing our 'leader' Jones come out and publicly harpoon him before his jacket hit the floor. Then Goodwin comes out and confirms, in so many words, we don't even want him anymore. Talk about smiling assassin. Why can't these people just keep their mouths shut? If not out of respect for a player that has endured one of the worst clubs in modern history and shown continued loyalty to the red and blue, then for the integrity of the club itself. Jack Watts is a limited footballer. This isn't through lack of application. The idea that someone has survived 9 years in the AFL system but isn't mentally tough enough or serious enough as an athlete is ridiculous. But here we are, the same tired discussion, attacking a player that despite good form is lambasted because he's too 'nice'. And yes, his form this year was good. The statistics mentioned in this thread countless times have backed that statement up. You're all welcome to sink back into the Neeld era. 'Tough' men with loud voices and small minds forcing awful game day strategies on us (starting the forward line in defence? Nice one Goodwin you flop). People in this thread talk up Richmond. Richmond have players who can actually hit a target. We're trading the only player in our team who can kick because he smiles too much. Dustin threatened to stab a woman in the eye with a knife. I guess that's less distracting for the club because he's a better player. Oh yeah Lever is going to be great. Those 2 tackles in the grand final showed how much tougher he is than Watts. Oh and for the record, Jones may try hard but his decision making is a joke. He should be more worried about his own performance before stabbing a mate in the back. I'm over supporting this basketcase of a club. I have to keep watching. I've barracked for this team my whole life. But I've lost complete faith in the administration and I do not want to support it with my wallet. I look forward to attending games as an AFL member. No idea how much clubs see out of the membership. Hopefully its nothing.

So that would be picks 10, 27 and Watts for Lever...Jaysus!! If that was the case, let him go to Collingwood!

*Eleven

Pretty good response. I wonder how many clubs would respond on the issue of list management.

Yeah....nah. Incidentally, this is my 1000th post. You're welcome.

The guy missed a year with a bad back and we paid him He had the year from hell this year and we have supported and paid him. He apparently loves the club and the players. He just signed a new contract last year and has two years to go. Why would he meet Freo when he is contracted and a required player? I don't believe it.

Goodwin's got every right to explain why Watts is no longer the right fit for us. He's damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't.

Remember, Goodwin played under Blight. His own career took off when Blight came in and pensioned off legends of the club, the uproar in Adelaide was replaced by euphoria winning the next 2 premierships. Lets hope Goodwin is a good learner and has pulled the right reins...

There is no need for either of the above. I have reservations over this move if it eventuates but my reservations are in the best interests of the club. How is encouraging mutiny among members and threatening the club, or fermenting ill will amongst aggrieved members going to help the club win the flag?

Crows have short memories. We were happy to trade Scott Thompson to them for just a first round pick when he was desperate to go home. We did it early in trade week too if I remember correctly, and we did it with minimal fuss. They would do well to treat Lever the same way.

I have supported this club for a very long time. I regard this as one of the saddest developments during this time. And this really sucks following a season filled with so much optimism and excitement.

IF the Dees were in the Grand Final then I'd hope Cam Bruce, Brad Miller, Adem Yze etc were all there watching and cheering the boys on. I'm more concerned that they wouldn't be than that Chaplin - 1 year post retirement - was watching the Tigers.

Im not. They would need to add a 3rd rounder, no way should we give up two good assets for Lever.

So essentially we pass on picks 10, 14, 27 and Watts for Lever and Pick 35. Seems a little steep if you ask me.

Tippett is [censored] horrible.

No he's not. Sloane has been blanketed during games and had no impact. Martin and Dangerfield are power athletes who can do damage as a forward. And Kelly is more skillful than Sloane, and can rack up equally high possessions.

A psychiatrist.

Are you a supporter of the MFC or of Jack Watts? It's a team game and the betterment of the club is bigger than any one player.

Throwing him away? You don't think some of the blame for this lays at his feet as well?

I heard a rumour Jake Lever might be interested in coming to us, and that we might be trading Watts. Anyone heard anything?

I think you're making too much of this too mate. Chaplin played for them just recently so you can hardly blame him for still having a close affinity to the Tigers.

Oh my god!! Trac and Maxy are up for trade as well from that pic.... come on mate seriously?

To become successful we need to become ruthless, this club has not been ruthless or successful for a long time now, hard desicions need to be made, trading Watts sends a message to the playing group, train hard & play hard or your not safe. I'll back Goodwin, Viney, Mahoney, McCarthey and co any day over any of their predecessors that go a long way back...

Great photo that one. What a player he was.

I once asked TGR whether he preferred to win a flag or for him to be right. He chose the latter.

Good, he needs to after the year he has had.

Of course there is, it's called negotiating. Trade week hasn't even started.

He slept with Stringer as well.

We might need to load up the pick up truck. How many future first round picks are we allowed to use for Sloane and Lever. See you at the 2024 AFL Draft.

Oh come on mate, seriously. Jack has said himself at a clinic that he's been booted out. Enough from me, lets hope for a good trade period, I really believe we could've gone all the way this year if not for injuries and running out of steam. We can beat Richmond and Adelaide thats for sure.

Wherever he ends up I hope that clubs fan forum beefs up its admin dept.

For some reason I don't think going to another club is going to stop the JW talk around here.

McDonald was sent on his way under Bailey, the others as well from memory. That was a completely different situation as we were left with a vacuum of leadership and the club was tanking for draft picks so the players felt they weren't supported by the FD and club. McDonald was the only real had one and probably more in the way it was done. Miller, Bruce, Green, Robbo, Yze, White they were all done. Reading between the lines I find it hard to believe there isn't more going on behind the scenes that they don't want to go public with.

And look just how well Clarry performed after a foot up the behind. Our best player for the year and hes still green as green. He CHOSE to do something about his diet, training, preparation etc etc and it paid off in spades. How many foots up the arse or on the flip side, hugs and kisses will it take for Jack to CHOOSE to get the best out of himself? Hes happy to be a good player who can kick the ball well. There is no room for that attitude anymore. If the footy dept needs to move him and anyone else along to eradicate that sort of mentality - then so be it.

Lever will fit in well with us because he got shafted by the umps, just like we do most weeks! Take a look at a replay of the big mark that Riewoldt took early in the game. Lever's arm is being held by Townsend. Meanwhile, at a critical time halfway through the second, umpire pings Jake for a very slight tug of the jumper after the ball has been spoiled, enabling Townsend to get a free and a goal. Tigers were very good but just like the Doggies in the GF, got an absolute dream run from the umps when it counted. How Betts didn't get a free in the goalsquare just before halftime for holding is beyond me.

Some counselling for jack

I get your point, but I think there's a big case for saying three trades won the Tiges the flag. Thought they played massive overs for Prestia & Caddy, but those two allowed them to use Dusty & Cotchin to much more damaging effect. And Nankervis did just what they wanted him to do, not just at stoppages but around the ground too. He got to so many aerial contests. If Jake lets us structure our defence much better, it allows the likes of Hibberd & Salem to play further up the ground. And as others have said, it allows T-Mac to play forward, and he suits our bomb-it-to-30m-from-goal forward game plan better than Watts or Weid or even Hogan.

Watts generally stands up in big games. He's been prominent in most if not all of our big wins, especially the ones in our down years. Watts is gone, but don't make stuff up. Building a list, you need intensity players and you need skill players. One of the reasons the Tiges were able to sustain their pressure on GF was that they were able to hurt the Crows with their skill going the other way. If they'd had a string of skill errors or bad turnovers, or some bad misses in front of goal, would have made it very hard to sustain that pressure. It's ridiculous to say that if you have intensity, you can do without skill. If we keep turning it over because we neglect skills, you can enjoy seeing 22 men applying manic pressure for no result. And again, for those of you who still haven't heard what I've said in a number of posts: I'm NOT arguing for Watts to stay. I'm arguing that we have to replace his skills, and improve the skills right across the team (like Tiges have done this year, so that their pressure actually counts for something), or we're going nowhere.

Mate I don't believe the rumour I heard. I don't think trading Watts......or should I say kicking him out is a positive move. Viney, Jones, Gawn and Watts are the soul of the club in my opinion. Let's say we get pick 25 - 30 for Watts. That seems to be there abouts what the commentators are thinking. So I ask the question are we better off with Watts or pick 25 - 30? We are not rebuilding, Watts is coming into his prime age for a tall. We are better off keeping Watts. Our team is weaker without him.