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Not related to the trade period exactly but I’ve been told by a reliable connection that max gawn is nutting out the final details of a new medium term deal. And Christian petracca is talking to the club about a new four year deal.

Mine.

Jack Watts: "Reading the comments and the messages I've been getting, it's been extremely humbling, but at the same time, Melbourne are on the right track and hopefully the supporters can see past this and jump back on board and support the club through what hopefully is a really successful time for them." After all the public critique of him by our leaders, to find the goodwill to give the above message to fans - well it just doesn't get any classier! Go well, young man.

It seems many Melbourne supporters while wanting a different outcome are unwilling to pay the price of change. Lever in, Watts out is a major cultural change at the club - Lever is what Watts is not - fanatical preparation and attack on the contest. And all the talk is quibbling about some slightly better draft value we might have received. I'm 100% behind this change.

that's personal info, but I can tell you he came 3rd in peels b&f, only played 7 games with 6 bog's and he's only 20.

I loved reading Watts' post this morning thanking everyone, and likewise I was happy to see the club put a thank you on their website. At the end of the day this was a ruthless decision that the club felt it needed to make for the overall betterment of the club and the playing list. While it is hard to swallow when you lose a fan favourite, I truly believe it is the best thing for the club, and even for Watts. While Watts no doubt loves the club and his mates, he could probably use a change of scenery and moving away from that fishbowl that is Melbourne. Perhaps less pressure on him and less scrutiny might help him get the best out of himself, something he never did in 9 years at our club. We all wish him the best, but at the end of the day I want to play finals and I want to win a premiership. I am sick of our lack of success, and so is everyone else. There is no doubt we missed on finals this year because we were mentally lacking, not because we lacked talent to get there. Hell you could argue that the eventual premiers don't look much better on paper than we do. Watts is the last of the remaining senior players from our losing era who doesn't seem to have brought in to the culture change, and the FD decided it was time to stop letting those types of half-arsed standards be set. It is hard to ask young players to go at 110% when some of the senior players don't. Lets move on from this and look to the future. Our list is better off with Lever than it was 2 months ago, and we are in a good position to make a serious go at finals in 2018, maybe even top 4. I wish Jack nothing but the best, but I am a Melbourne supporter first and always. My loyalties are with the club, and I will back them on this decision, unless I see serious evidence to the contrary.

Windy Pill

No matter what camp you are in on this divide, all have to admit that is classy.

1) Post Season Jones and Goodwin say nothing. Yes they were asked questions about Watts. Standard answer should have been a straight bat eg Our List Management Team, like those of other clubs are looking to review and to improve our playing list. When any information is available about any player we will let you know. Instead they carried on with: not meeting expectations, Jack had been in a rut for 9 years, off-field behaviours, setting example for young players etc etc etc. Of course, the media jumped all over those comments which fueled more and more questions. They should have stuck with straight bat, straight bat, straight bat. Better still not put them on them on air. Post round 23 Mahoney should be our only spokesperson. 2) After the GF Mahoney should have come out and said something like: Our List Management Team has met and we have asked Jack Watts to explore his options with other clubs. We believe that other list opportunities will result in changes to the structure of our forward line and it is in both parties interests to take this path. If no suitable trade is found, Jack can remain at mfc. Instead he came over real heavy echoing Goodwin's and Jones criticisms and added a few more about being tired of having these conversations with Jack. Everything in itallics is factual. The dirty laundry wasn't necessary. The media could say what it wanted there was no reason for the club to validate it. The WB had a similar problem. Cutting Stringer was swift and brutal. Thereafter, no one at the club made a single solitary comment. They let the rumours float around but did not give them validity because they said nothing. Result: Supporters were shocked and upset at the decision but were accepting of the process. Instead MFC made it a death of a thousand cuts for Jack by having coach, captain and football manager give a regular commentary on Jack's deficiencies over a 5/6 week period. Result: Supporters were upset at the decision and the process. On this thread even most the ardent fans of the decision lamented how it was handled by the club.

Speak for yourself, I've seen his pre-draft highlights package twice. Gun.

Wrong take I reckon TGR. Whilst the majority here think we are soft and can't negotiate I reckon we've had the balls to see what we need and go and get it. We've not been worried about the marginal costs of playing top dollar for what we need. We've not been worried that the journo's and keyboard warriors will ridicule us for paying "overs" or taking "unders". The safe thing would have been to say Lever was overs and Watts was unders and not do the deal. If we did that we'd be playing with a list we saw as inadequate. The courageous thing to do was to pay what it took and risk being wrong. Many a sook here would lament finishing 4th in a few years wishing we had a Lever to solidify the backline. This FD have a vision and are following it fearlessly. They aren't taking the easy option. Good on them. As for Watts I regret what we've done to a rare person in footy because Jack is a decent, honest and loyal person dealt cards that cruelled him. Good luck Jack, I'll always wish you the best and always feel we've let you down very badly.

He can frustrate as a footy player, but, my god, he was brought up well. All class. Yes, I am at the age where I say things like that. Cant wait to shout him a beer after we win the flag and he is supporting his mates while still at Port. Can you imagine the Leoncell36 equivalent at Port when those photos come out?! lol

To be honest the thread should have been closed when renamed Farewell Jack Watts. Or a new thread started for people to thank jack for his service to the club and not use it to have more shots at him or the club for how they have handled the whole thing. Jack showed his class with his farewell comments. its not too much to ask i reckon for passionate dees fans such as us to show a bit as well. Good luck Jack. I hope things work out well for you. Thank you for your service to the club i love and for many fantastic memories - non grander than this years QB game (PS thanks for performing well in 2016. I enjoyed seeing PD using your avatar for 6 months).

https://www.3aw.com.au/jack-watts-says-its-been-an-emotional-few-weeks-following-his-trade-to-port-adelaide/ I'd recommend listening to this interview from this morning. Such a great guy and only wished the best for the club. None of us can comment yet whether this was or wasn’t the right decision by the club – this time next year we should. However, I think it is fair to say that it is all a very sad situation. He loved the club and wanted to stay, but the coaches didn’t see him being part of the success the hopefully not-so-distant future entails. I hope they are right that Watts might have been the anchor keeping us at the shore, but I am not convinced. Good luck, Wattsy, and thanks for everything! Go Dees

Surely Clarry

For those sh*t canning the club this is what Chris Pelchen had to say about our drafting(apologies if this has already been posted): https://www.sen.com.au/news/2017/10/17/dees-deserve-big-tick-says-list-guru/ Melbourne supporters should be pleased with what the club has done in trade period, despite letting go fan favourite Jack Watts and giving up two first round picks for Jake Lever, says Chris Pelchen. He believes by signing their number one trade target, and maintaining four selections in the top 50 for this year’s draft, the club is in a very strong position. “If you look at it, they’ve picked up a key target in Jake Lever, he’s a player who should be able to play for the next ten years barring injury, he was clearly their target coming into the trade period, (and) they’ve secured it. They get a big tick,” Pelchen said on SEN Breakfast. “They do lose Jack Watts, and I think most people would admit Jack’s had every opportunity at that club under several coaches, nothing to do with person’s character, he’s a good young lad, but ultimately his game style or willingness to adapt to a game style hasn’t been there. “Ultimately they’ve given away pick 31, and I think what people are losing sight of is Melbourne have four picks inside pick 47, and they’ve got their key target in the draft, so I think they’ve done extremely well.” In obtaining Lever, the Dees currently don’t have a first round pick in next year’s draft, which has been tipped as a bumper crop. However, Pelchen believes they are capable of redressing the situation. “The biggest or most significant loss is next year’s first round draft pick, but they’ve got 12 months to rectify that,” he said. “They can go into next year’s trade period knowing the key target is to get another first round draft pick, and they trade accordingly.”

He might not be able to divide a pack but he can definitely divide a forum.

I picked the Ty Vickery part.

Pick 66 is a great deal for Balic. Thought Freo might be real pains about it but we've done well here.

C'mon Saty. Live a little and say something naughty like you know you want to.

The “Thymodome”

Our club currently has Jake Lever and doesn't have Jack Watts. I think that is extremely good.

Oh for fks sake....

This has been a divisive episode no doubt. This is a board for passionate supporters and it's not unusual for heated back-n-forths among ourselves. And it's clear that many people are deeply and genuinely upset. But if any of you here are the ones polluting the MFC's social media feeds and flinging rubbish directly at our club in public then you ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

Saw the same comment when we got Michie. Hope your mate is a good judge and I welcome Harley to the club but I'll wait and see how he goes on game day before I get too excited.

You mean you wanted more proof ? "WHY ARE AFL clubs lining up to offer a still-developing key defender from Adelaide a lucrative contract comparable to deals given to some of the game's very best?" http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-06-22/why-are-clubs-so-keen-to-lure-jake-lever Hawthorn is mentioned in the next article. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jake-lever-likely-to-remain-at-adelaide-despite-big-offers-from-rival-clubs/news-story/febf1ccec421f2c1247c973fd67b6993 You're a dope and I won't be wasting any more time on you.

You've made yourself look like a fool. I've enjoyed it, too.

Stands out in stark contrast to the way MFC have handled the whole ugly matter. Jack handled it as a man - with dignity and respect to all involved. Mahoney and Goodwin have handled it like a couple of schoolboys. Man up guys. You can do it.

You're a genius Wanna add me on Facey?

.... please stop with the crap! he's a fringe player at the team that was in the bottom 4. Balic is untried, and has been bought into the team for Depth. No need to compare him with Watts, stupid comment to make!

As would I. I think those four will go fairly early in the second round. Domic impressed me in all the games I saw of him. (Think it was three). He was heavily involved in all of them and there was one game in particular against Murray at Ikon park where he kicked a handful playing mid. He doesn't look particularly flashy but consistently finds the ball and does everything 'well'. Hard to see any glaringly obvious weaknesses. Farrell I saw twice and whilst he didn't have a huge impact, there were definitely glimpses of quality and high level attributes. He was quick, possessed great agility and a nice left-foot. Probably wasn't involved enough in the games I saw, but was also moved around a lot positionally which I could see made it difficult. Had some nice moments, just wasn't dominant. Of the two, I imagine Domic will be snapped up before Farrell. Just my guess. Hard to say. As I've said, some of those names are more highly rated than others. I just gave that list because I was asked under instruction to report on a few of those names which indicates the club was/is interested. It depends on what we're after player-wise. For our pick 29 - If we land any of Ling, Floyd, Miers, Garner, Mclean or Domic I'd be happy. Ling and Garner are highly rated half-backs. Personally I'd love Ling as I think he has the capacity to play wing and possesses what our side needs. Speed and foot-skills. For a player of his size and slight build, he showed great competitiveness and aggression at the ball and man which was a big + given he looks typically outside. If we landed Ling at 29 I'd be stoked but I reckon he'll be gone by then. Miers is a small forward from Geelong who kicked a bag in the granny and was always dangerous in the games I saw of him. Floyd is a wingman who was prolific for Geelong this year but I'd prefer Ling for his versatility. Mclean a big forward/ruckman for Sandy who would be a decent second-round choice for a back-up forward/ruck. Had one big game that I saw of him but drifted out of some games also. Domic a reliable midfielder that we may target for depth. Does everything well without having a super standout quality. Just a smart player though. Impacted in most games I watched of him, great tank and had an amazing game against Murray when GWV came back from a 40+ point deficit at three-quarter time to win the game. Domic kicked the first three of the last quarter and played midfield all day. Carried his side. Pick 31 and and 36 - I'd have a crack at Jack Petrucelle if he was still there at either pick. Jack Petrucelle was definitely the most eye-catching of that group and has infinite potential but also poses a risk given how raw he is at this level. X-factor player who played both deep forward and through the midfield for the Knights. I saw him feature against SA in one of the state games where he was fairly quiet, I don't think he played any others although I may be wrong. But on a few occasions at TAC cup level I saw some amazing moments from him. Some incredible pack parks and some amazing blistering runs that resulted in goals. He frequently drifted in and out of games however, but there's a lot to like and I'll keep a keen eye on him wherever he ends up. Farrell, Stoddart, Federico or Murphy are the others I'd be happy with. I think we need to keep targeting players with foot-skills and running ability but who also possess the right competitive mind. Farrell, Stoddart and Federico are similar players. Half-back/midfielders who can run and kick really well. Stoddart probably less physical than the other two. Murphy is the cricketer/natural sportsman who's a versatile tall that we may opt for. 47 - For two smokies who didn't feature much/at all at state level would be Mynott and Porter. Both impressed me at Tac cup level and I reckon both have great potential and were unfortunate not to feature heavily at state level. And just on that, I can see now how difficult it is for recruiters. Oliver similarly was overlooked for Vic country but look at what he's been able to do at AFL level. I'm not comparing Mynott and Porter to Oliver, but it's clear that some boys are incredibly unlucky if they don't play well either at the state trials or in their first games at state level. Mynott is a class player and I reckon he'll do well in an AFL environment. My two bob.

Yep. "The football club’s decision to trade Jack Watts has not just been made on what happens on the weekend, it’s the manifestation of all that happens throughout the summer months and the day-to-day training loads. It’s the endless hours of game review tapes and it’s the degree of urgency, intensity and desperation that they’ve sought over the years." The club will not improve with Jack Watts in the side. He would have added nothing more after 9 years on the senior list. It may not improve without Jack Watts. But the team that is charged with improving the side know better than any of the emotional nuffies here spouting BS about the 'heart and soul' of the team and may just well improve the culture of the side and add a terrific young player. Time will tell. Teams can't stand still, they have to keep turning over their lists to find the right comibination. The failure of Jack Watts to get the best out of himself lies with Jack Watts. He knew what he had to do and didn't do it. For him to claim he was shocked is a joke. The coaches have made the right call.

Jesus Christ. Some posters might be better off calling beyond blue than spending time here.

So I went back and read the start of this thread and it was like watching From Dusk till Dawn: normal, normal, normal, VAMPIRES WTF!?

If it makes you feel better, you are.

Peptide park

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.

The club will definitely care about your email. They will probably take it into account when making future decisions.

Really? How do you judge that his negotiating skills are horrible when you have NO IDEA what his desired outcome, or minimal negotiating position, actually is? It is not life and death, FMD! He is not a hostage negotiator. I would prefer that the Dees are known as decent to deal with - the first step in building trust to establishing a frame for negotiation. you slag him off and have not one f’ing clue.

only 1 day left to get the hogan trade done

My best mate who's a diehard Docker rates the kid really highly and is spewing to see him leave. Reckon we might have a player on our hands. Also like the one year contract, he'll need to buy in and contribute straight away, no more armchair rides at the Dees!

Low risk trade, if it works fantastic, if it doesn't, well we took the same punt as we would be had we taken pick 66 to the draft. Nice move given we have so many mid range picks this year we can't even use them all. Welcome Harley and best of luck!

I reckon Garry Lyon summed things up quite well on SEN this morning. Link to it is here: https://www.sen.com.au/news/2017/10/17/popular-easy-and-safe-don-t-win-flags/ I think it's put things into perspective quite well.

It might not be Goodwin (just Goodwin) here. Little Jack Watts somehow agrieved the FD to the extent he was bannished. This was never a "trade" it was excommunicated ( irony as demons) . His bags packed, nudged out the door, given away and his fare paid. And the many still dont see this as abhorrent. This whole episode says a lot about the club, or elements and for the most part i don't like it. "The club" is entirely satisfied with the outcome. It also comes across as a shonky used car dealer when pressed for detail. I find that amazing. I mean ..WTF is really going on at Melbourne. There is the notion Jack wasn't any longer a good fit. Given his actual performance and standing among his peers that makes little sense. But even if that were the case would you go about transferring him out in the manner just witnessed ? A lot of the official narrative just doesnt wash under scrutiny. It's a fiction in the main that borrows a number of elements , twists some, invents others and then was sold on as bone fide. Words are often cheap, actions speak. There's a lot about this season that screams BULLSHlT. Jack's often described as ' icing' ...well he was certainly the icing on someones efforts ! Jack's now gone (how strange to even write that ) but reality of the club is probably no different. Leopards and spots and such. The FD now have much to prove. Go Dees

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

The “whatever it takes” athletic integrity centre