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I'm neither angry, nor happy. I make no judgement on the price paid. I don't assume to know more than the club about the worth of player, nor do I assume they are infallible oracles who don't/won't make mistakes. I'm just sad he had to go.

The club won't stand for so-so commitment anymore. What's wrong with that? We were all absolutely filthy with not only our end to the season, but some of our efforts within games. The club, internally, has clearly identified that there were certain aspects that needed to change, especially within our senior players. One of those was clearly Jack. We can speculate and listen to some of the drivel that get's splattered all over this forum floor, but the fact is that behind closed doors the club weren't happy with the standards Jack was setting for those around him. As a senior player that is unacceptable. So the club was ruthless. They basically said that they aren't going to accept that anymore, especially from someone as experienced as Jack, and instead of sitting on their hands and wondering what to do, they made the tough decision to move him on to better our club. Our FD are the ones who see everything, and if they believe that moving Jack on makes us a better club in the long run then I'm happy to get behind that. I'm sad to see Jack go, but I'm impressed with the club and it's willingness to make the tough decisions to ensure that the end to 2017 doesn't happen again and that our young players are looking up to veterans who set the right standards and drive them on to some sustained success.

As a 30 year plus member of this club I am astounded at the reaction to the Watts trade. What a sad situation under the circumstances that has caused such division amongst supporters. Watts is a terrric young bloke, he was poorly treated during the Neeld era where the club behaved very badly. Since then Watts has been part of a club resurrection and he has played a number of very good games. I wish many would be honest with themselves about Watts. In 9 years he has not even come close to AA, he has underperformed for a major part of his career so far. Watts has been given many many chances over the past 4 years to live up to his potential. I remind everyone that Max Gawn stepped up, and Oliver decided to do what is required and as result won a bluey. Watts has never had that intensity to reach his full potential. I like the guy, I am sad he is no longer at the club, however I have had a gutful of supporters who seem to be satisfied holding onto a player who regularly underperforms and does not display the urgency that this club needs. the club may have handled this better! In my opinion many supporters need to grow up! Many look like they are happy with mediocrity. The club is heading in the right direction better than at any time during the past 10 years. Maybe many supporters need to harden up if they are in sync with the new MFC.

All the best Jack.. thank ypu for fronting up with a smile during the dark days when the world was against you. I still feel very disappointed about this.

Hogan needs to tackle Oscar needs to crash packs Petracca needs to get super fit Hard to demand it from those 3 when they see a 9 year player and number 1 pick coasting through his career.

This is Goodwin and Viney's club now. Couldn't be happier. Picks Shmicks. We got the biggest fish available in trade time. Only really disappointing thing is that we lost next year's first rounder. But we'll still come out ahead with Lever. The kid is unbelievable. Watts time was done, it's that simple. We have things to achieve as a club and Watts wasn't going to help us. Onwards and upwards. Well done dees on having the gumption to make an unpopular choice. We're locked and loaded for the next 3 years.

I'm in the same boat - while I've argued more for why we should move him on, it doesn't mean that I'm not sad to see him go. He is clearly a great bloke who is well liked by kids, supporters and the playing group. The one thing I did like from Mahoney was his comment about it being easier to make no decision than to make a tough decision. You could argue in some ways that we have looked to shed that tag over the last 3-4 years, and I like the fact that the club will back itself to make a decision that it sees will help us in moving towards a premiership and not just hoping it will happen for us. I think it's a great attitude to have, and while this decision would have been extremely tough to make, they realised it had to be done and put all the emotion aside and did what they see as best for our club.

we have not made finals for 11 years or won a premiership in 53 one player is not going to make any difference - he's been here for 9 years and is not integral to our side i think the football department is doing the right thing

Chemist warehouse

It's not just about Watts. He's the lightning rod. But there's more at play. Goodwin is making a statement. And it is not "if we can only get rid of Watts, we'll be a finals winning side". You can bet your behind that this is not the only aspect of his stand. This is only part of it. He will having quiet words to Gawn, Bugg, Kent, probably Jesse in the pre season when 2017 is behind him, and others. Assuming they don't get the message anyway. It's about setting standards that cannot be dodged or done in a half @rsed fashion. If he got rid of Kent, would everyone get the message? Maybe, maybe not. But he's gotten rid of Watts. Is anyone in any doubt at all of his determination to succeed? Go Goody. Go Demons.

I feel that it reflects his value quite accurately.

Agree. The arguments on the merit of whether he stays or goes has obviously been done to death. It has got to the point of needing resolution but presumably it will be resolved in the next few days. My angst is not with his merits as a footballer but the way the club has handled the affair. First, it makes the club appear totally incompetent and inefficient. In short, very bad management. Second, it makes the club look very bad from a "values" perspective. Like any organisation, the club should have a strong emphasis on people management and one that incorporates transparency in its dealings with its players and staff, and one that treats both those groups in a respectful manner. In this case, the player despite not fulfilling peoples expectations has been at the club for 9 years, played 150 games and has been recognized for his loyalty to the club. Football is a business and a business that craves success, but loyalty should still be be valued. We supporters are loyal and we like loyalty in our players. What does the club do? It is willing to break a 3 year contract with the player and treats the player who professes his love for the club like an outcast. I wonder how Bartlett, Jackson, Goodwin or any of the other coaches or staff would feel if they were treated this way? I think the Clubs handling of the affair has been shameful and it sends a very bad message to others not least the remainder of the playing group. Not one of the Clubs best moments. And not one likely to be forgotten quickly. Sure we will move on, but it leaves a very bad taste in this supporters mouth.

This is the sort of snipe that really annoys me. Whatever you think of Watts, he provided a lot more than Toumpas under a lot more scrutiny.

Are you serious, you of all people should know it's a ruthless business and tough decisions need to be made. You have been going on for as long as I can remember about Melbourne being soft and excepting mediocrity. Any father will come out and support their child. I wish Jack well but I want a ruthless team who will do whatever it takes to win a flag and leaving no stone unturned. Clarrie knuckling down after his off season incident is a prime example of what's expected. Say what you like Jack didn't come back from the off season as required, that is not up for debate. Many on here are coming up with conspiracy theories on here which is ridiculous. Jack is being traded because of himself, nobody else. He's had numerous chances and it comes down to 1. Has Jack got the best out of himself - no 2. Has Jack left no stone unturned to fulfill his potential - no 3. Has Jack made himself an untouchable - no 4. Does Jack have trade value - yes 5. Does Jack do the non negotiables week in week out - no 6. Is it likely Jack will reach a higher ceiling if he remains at Melbourne - no 7. Will Jack perform well at another club - highly likely but it's irrelevant to us once he leaves

MFC has demanded at least pick 2 and Freos first rounder next year for Jesse. This is why Freo offered Weller and 5, for The Suns' pick 2. This will then be sent to us for Hogan along with their 2018 1st pick. Freo were asked for their first rounder and Neale, but he refused to be traded, so we are in for 2 x first rounders instead, with this years being upgraded so we can get our intended target in the draft. The Lever trade has been used as the basis of our demand for 2 x first rounders, with nothing more than a fourth rounder going back to Freo. Deal essentially done and will be announced Wednesday. ( None of that is true, but someone needed to take the focus of the Jack Watts thread. My reputation is taking one for the team)

You do realise that every pick after 31 was also available ? That there was a huge pool of players beyond that and that they're just the players selected at that number ?

And lol Port Adelaide. Koch publicly blasts the playing group for not being fully committed to the team cause. PAFC respond by bringing in Watts, Motlop and Rockliff.

Sad day for me. Feel like we let down Grimes, Trengove and Watts badly. For all his flaws, I just wanted to see Melbourne and Jack finally succeed and I felt sure it would happen. Good luck to him at Port.

Thanks Jack, for everything you gave over your 9 years. Sorry we stuffed up your development, and sorry we made such a media circus of you in your early years. Your best was breath-taking. Vision, beautiful kick, brought others into the game. I think you will be mostly missed around the Club. From all reports, your people skills and club-heart made a lot of people want to be around you. But is was time to go. The desperation we needed you to show only peeked out at certain times and became a major frustration for coaches, supporters and team mates. You did learn to tackle, but never developed the pack mark that you were recruited for. But our delivery into forward 50 now looks very thin without you here. I hope you have success at PA, but not too much. Pick 31 sounds about right, and if we have to pay a bit of salary, I don't really care.

siren ˈsʌɪr(ə)n/ Greek Mythology each of a number of women or winged creatures or rumour mongers whose singing lured unwary sailors and demonlanders on to rocks.

Listen to the simpletons boo him next year, when in fact he loved the club and wanted to stay. Club has no right to play the loyalty card when Trac and Co are offered big coin in 2019/20. Like his old man said, we stuffed him and later stoned him. Pick 31 or Watts? Give me Watts.

I miss no point I understand how football club runs, the lists get turned over. I don't live in la la land trying to dream up conspiracy theories on why poor Jack is being "kicked out of the club" as some are saying. The fact Jack is still allegedly saying he doesn't know why he's up for trade speaks volumes and confirms to me the club is making the right decision. There is nothing more to it, I've outlined the plain and simple reasons why he is being put up for trade.

“I told my manager I didn’t want to speak to any other club, but it’s funny after seeing one of my great mates win a premiership on the weekend, because you have to be envious of success,” he said. “I was watching the game and people said ‘wouldn’t you love success?' and I said ‘it wouldn’t mean anything to me unless it was with Melbourne’ Col had his faults but was a demon through and through. Also loved the slight at good old chip

The Stephen Dank school for kids who can't read good and wanna do other stuff good too.

Good luck to Jack at Port. I'll be watching Port games, hoping he plays well, and that he gets to experience finals. Market value is what the market'll pay. Jack is 26, played 150 games and should be coming into his prime. He is on the market and only 2 clubs show interest, one of which, Geelong, shows only lukewarm interest. That is the footy industry telling Jack what they think he is worth, and its less than the market value his talent warrants. He is the same position as Menzel, who scored 40 goals this year, but seems likely to have to accept a one year deal with a pay cut at the Cats. The lesson is simple. What do you do when you don't have the ball is as important as what you do when you have the ball. Both Jack and Daniel have ample skill with ball in hand, indeed they have more skill with ball in hand than a few of the Richmond Premiership forwards, but they don't match their intensity when they don't the ball.

It's done....it's weird , I feel like I just murdered someone and buried the body

Lever is twice the player of Watts, and five years younger. Theres no comparison.

Best of luck to Jack at Port. He deserves better than the club gave him from the start. Had far to much pressure placed upon him, didn't handle the media correctly at any point, and then had his development thrown around and never got to settle in a position for more than a year or two. He's an obvious talent who the club mismanaged. He deserves better, and I hope he flourishes at Port. Good luck Jack and thanks for the memories. Must've watched that Queens Bday goal 50 times over!

Port Adelaide, a direct competitor to us in the 5-8 bracket have just brought in Rockcliff, Motlop and Watts.... for a total cost of pick 31. They've had a tremendous trade period. Comparatively, we've brought in Lever, but have lost Watts and 2 first round picks. Paid overs and let quality go for unders. The late picks are irrelevant unless tied to a player trade as they will produce speculative kids at best. The club better package those 2nd round picks up and make something happen or we've had a poor trade period and lost further ground on our direct finals competitors.

I've never watched that show. All I know is she's married to a moron with a rag on his head.

'rope aisle at Bunnings' -> 'national superbeings' Christ. This thing is even bigger than I thought.

I miss the rumours that involve mice running up clocks and something to do with a bird.

If he stays he won't be playing at Casey.

I sincerely hope that the club doesn't take #31 to the draft. It's not that I'm not excited by the prospect of Taylor working his magic in the second round, but that I suspect the poor lad drafted will be the subject of bizarre revenge scrutiny from the Watts fanatics for years to come.

Hi @Siren, just wondering if the gun Victorian mid was still coming to us?

They bent over on both trades. We're building a great reputation as a club that is more than happy to be screwed right there on the trade table.

Goody is at the storm offices asking the best way to run a ball into the goals.

Just as a reminder. We lost to North twice, Freo once, had Brisbane on toast and nearly collapsed, and flubbed it against C'wood in rd 23. After another season of tripping at important hurdles, and with our stumbing, bumbling end to the season, Goodwin, the guy with his nads on the line, made the call that something has to change. Otherwise we'll forever be flubbing it when it counts. If this doesn't send a message to the players, then it's time to step down and join the VAFA.

I’m unhappy with he way the club has handled this. Watts loved the club and has been burnt. Some posting here say there is more to the story but clearly have nothing to back it up. I doubt whoever we draft at pick 31 will be as good. I understand we have to continuously improve our list but this was a crap way to do it. Goodwin has a lot to prove now. (end rant)

Was talking to a (very) passionate Collingwood supporting friend last night and asked her if she'd seen the latest trade news - that Collingwood had offered #6 for Watts, a pick in the 20's and some late swaps. Also told her that it was Howe getting into Buckley's ear that got them to put it in the table. I had to hold the phone away from my ear to save my eardrums. Other than a lot of swearing I got 'Are you [censored] kidding me?!?! That Howe can [censored] right off back to Melbourne!', 'It's bad enough we took Dunn!', 'Buckley needs to be sacked for making that deal!'. About 2 hours later I got a call back. 'We never offered that! You are an [censored]!' I laughed, and said, 'Yep. I am. But that is payback for Harry'. I expect a punch in the face the next time I see her, but, geez, it will be worth it.

Rookie mistake. You should never bury a body, it will just preserve it.

We have not been robbed, Lever was a good trade. He is literally the only quality player who has been traded thus far and we landed him! I agree that pick 31 for Watts who we invested 9 years into, is a poor outcome. But I trust the club has other plans, and to be honest I don't see the point of fighting the trade when it is clearly us who wanted him gone. Would be a super dick move to say 'go look for a new home, but oh wait we don't want to trade you where you want to go because they won't give us a good pick for you, when really you aren't that great which is why we want you gone in the first place'. I know this is a very divisive trade that will upset a lot of people, but at the end of the day Watts has brought this on himself. We all wanted and needed him to change, and he hasn't. His talent is not lacking, but his attitude clearly is not what the club is expecting from a senior player. It is time to move on. We got Lever, a 21 year old gun who fills a real gap on our list and pushes us closer to success, so at the end of the day we win the trade period.

Norm Smith, 4 time premiership player, 6 time premiership coach, 500+ goals Jack Watts .... Yeah I can totally see the comparison

No sickly feeling with me, SONS. I'm one of the supporters that you speak of, and I'm quite content with it. I tell you what, I wanted the whole team to cop a hiding after the way they finished off the season. I'll excuse some of the young kids that ran out of puff. I will never accept that a senior player/s didn't prepare as good as they could've. If Watts was the biggest culprit, then I'm glad they have made an example of him. I was quite numb after not making the finals, and lost a lot of interest in the finals series in general. Insipid performances from my team did this to me. I feel some sense of relief that Goodwin and co won't accept mediocrity. The telling point about all this is that out of 18 sides, from what has been reported, only 3 expressed an interest in picking up Watts. That's telling.

I hope Port can de-Melbournise Watts as they did the Toump.

The club asked Watts to explore his options, nothing more. Good wins view on him have been known since the start of the season. For those rattling on about how badly it's been handled accept that there really is no other way. I'd blame his manager and the media for the [censored] not the club

I'd agree with 'the collective wisdom' then, but I'd also say it completely depends where your list demographic sits. Our list is at a point where it needs to add some final best 22 contributors for 2018, not 2022. It's pretty rare that someone comes in like Oliver or Hogan and becomes a pivotal player for their team from almost day dot. In order to keep our young gun group together, we need to demonstrate to them that we're ready to attack that flag next year.

Feel like my IQ has taken a severe backward step after catching up on the last 7 pages. C’mon, Wattsy. Call it.