TeamPlayedFine39

Kent lost me as a player last year on the back of a string of lazy performances. For all his promise and potential weaponry, he just doesn't get enough of the ball or effect enough contests. For a player of his speed, power and supposed physicality, he averages just 2 tackles and game and has kicked over 3 goals just once in his career (4 goals, round 3 2016). He's recorded over 20 disposals in a match six times in his career, 5 of those times were in 2016; did very little before and very little since.

Um... what? Can you imagine for one second the criticisms O'Mac and Harmes would get if either of them was taken at pick one?? So yes, people are infinitely more forgiving of players who were not first round, let alone first picks.

There are 47 players on an AFL list, only 22 of those can play in the seniors any given week. I'm not one for shaming a player who is 'dropped' to the seconds to work on an element or elements of their game- that's what it's there for. Good coaches use the lower leagues for teaching and development, not as a punishment. I wish Watts well, he loved the club as much as we all do and fought to stay. I had hoped that the new environment would work out for him, but to this stage it hasn't. As posters have mentioned above, he's looked lost on the field in recent weeks and his heart doesn't seem to be in it anymore. For all of his shortcomings as a player, he did play to a much higher standard in his final couple of year for Melbourne and his current form doesn't detract from an excellent 2016 and half of '17. Unfortunately for him, he's got the skills, but not the personality for professional football and perhaps it's not as easy as 'flicking a switch' to play to the tempo, aggression and desperation of league footy. He didn't ask to be drafted pick one, didn't ask to debut Queens Birthday with the 'Welcome number one draft pick Jack Watts!!' blaring over the speakers, didn't ask to play on Glass, Rutten, Merrett and Scarlett in his first 10 games as an 18yo CHF and didn't ask to leave our club when we were at our absolute worst. He plays for Port Adelaide now anyway...

Which part is inaccurate? If we’d kept pick 2, we would have taken Billings. Is it the inclusion of pick 20?? If so, then it’s Billings and Jack Leslie for Salem, Tyson and Hunt.

Billings is a big ‘what might have been’ for us. Roos has said that the Kelly vs Tyson/Pick 9 debate is void as we rated Billings at pick 2 that year. Billings vs Tyson, Salem and Hunt... I think we’ve come out ahead. https://www.google.com.hk/amp/s/coupler.foxsports.com.au/api/v1/article/amp/afl/paul-roos-reveals-new-spin-on-2013s-blockbuster-trade-between-melbourne-and-gws-giants/news-story/20f8f893a20fcd0c57cf90e413938e49

Nice to hear... "I've lived here (Melbourne) for about six years now and I'd almost call it home," Hogan told AFL.com.au. "I still love going back to Perth obviously. But with each year I stay here, it's probably that little bit further away from going back to Perth."

When we win the flag this year, I think Vince and Lewis may bow out. That'll free up some cap space...

We asked in 2013 as well. http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-23/afl-denies-melbourne-demons-priority-pick/4976082

If the same test is applied to Carlton that was applied to us, then the Blues have no chance. We were denied on the basis that we had good prospects for improvement on our list that were either too young to have had an impact or were injured - such as Mitch Clark. The Blue are constantly raving about their quality young list and that it's just a matter of time... I don't think they can have it both ways.

Pretty sure Lynch was using us as leverage to jack-up his price with Adelaide. Fool me once, shame on you...

I rate degoey, but we have no currency for a trade, unless of course we’re willing to trade out one of our equal or better young players.

He’s an inside mid- always has been, always will be. He was held back for injury, form and education, but now that he’s been unleashed he’s looked right at home for the first time in a long time.

It was a bit of fun, good exposure and gave a very positive view of our club to the world. Was a little bit cringy that the women's team, who seemed to be present, weren't mentioned or acknowledged at all during the episode - everything was ''da boys'd love that''.

Well, that’s probably down to opinion. The way I see it is that he confident, assured and articulate. Some may see that as arrogance, and that’s fair enough. The egocentric commentators seek to sensationalise, exaggerate, crack in jokes, make up nicknames, laugh hysterically at their own jokes and treat the viewers/listeners like they’re fools. Basically Brian Taylor and all his ‘mates’.

Whatley is one of the best commentators going around and possesses a very football brain. He certainly knows his stuff and has the ability to communicate this without ego or fanfare. He and SEN aren’t a great fit though imho. Commercial drive-time radio calls upon a different skill set. ABC grandstand and the Offsiders haven’t been the same without him.

A google search of his name brings up a bunch of match reports from WA football leagues (and a small role in the Cloud Street mini-series)

Give him the keys to the place! We’ll even sign-up his big brother just to keep him happy...

I think the bigger concern would be that he seems to be living in WA, having played for Mandurah. Will be hard to get him all the way over to Victoria, and keeping him here. (Just ask his father)

I tend to agree. As keen as I am to see Jack back in the team, we should learn the lessons of recent history. Last year, Max was straight back in and seemed to be playing catch-up for the rest of the season; Viney was straight back in and... well, I don't need to say what happened after that. The season is long and this week is very winable without many changes. One week in the VFL to regain some match fitness and touch, then into the team for Carlton at the 'G.

To think that the Brayshaw thread three weeks ago was screaming for him to be traded at fire-sale prices... We're a fickle bunch.

You obviously haven't heard how much of a 'good bloke he is...'

The lid is off! Oscar is now mainstream.

I’ve moved on from Watts and am a big wrap for Fritsch, but you waited until he played his best match to post a statistical comparison. Before today’s match, Watts had him covered in every major stat. Move on. Enjoy the player we have and don’t feel the need to validate him by comparing him to a Port Adelaide forward.