hemingway

Don't tell me that Nasher. Truly depressing. Wow there is a mood of negativity about.

If this is true, it would be disappointing and reflect very poorly on Goodwins judgement and values in regard to people management and decency. I hope it is not true. If it is true, I would lose any respect that I have for him.

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.

That is the question Dingo. Max cannot ruck all season, If Max goes down we will be in big trouble. We saw that in 2017. Assume the club has someone in mind but the risk of going in with Max and a few rookies is a big problem.

Agreed

Cracked the sooks? Expressed disappointment as it obviously means a lot to him. Sometimes it is not necessararily the outcome but how it is communicated or handled. Unless Nathan decided to resign of his own accord he should be kept in the job. He is the heart and sole of the club and other than Viney there is not another candidate. Viney alone? Prefer not, in fact I would prefer him to play without having the sole responsibility of being Captain. Removing Jones could badly back fire. He has shouldered a huge responsibility over the years and stood tall when others have withered and lost their mojo. He deserves the respect of the club and its supporters. Treating him otherwise would send all the wrong messages and reflect poorly on the clubs values.

The negativity is overwhelming. Slit your wrist stuff. Some interesting observations but can't we bit a little more positive and optimistic.

Agreed. A total embarrassment to himself and the club. A total liability and very poor body language and behaviour for his young teammates.

Great player and leader. Hope he plays.

Good luck to them indeed. If we had half the passion, belief and commitment we would have been in the 8. Throw in a few champions ( Cochin, Rioli, Rance, Martin et al) and we could be Premiers ! And I suspect that their coach could show our coach a few things. Depressing and uplifting at the same time.

Of all the likely trades, Kent worries me the least. Disappointment factor-zero.

Both sides must have serious doubts about his future at MFC. With the on-going negative commentary and speculation, Jack and his team must be thinking that he would be better off elsewhere....if the price is right. On the other side, the club must be thinking that the time is right to move him on.....if the trade is right. Another season of negative publicity would not be good for either party and would devalue his worth from a contractural and trading perspective. My guess is that the mind state of both sides and the lack of a clear statement of commitment from Jack and the club suggest he will move on.

Good summary. Cant imagine how anyone can sell sponsorship in today's tough business conditions whether it be the MFC or any other club. Unfortunately, the MFC is probably a harder sell due to its track record. A national sport (even that's arguable) in a small market, which is still very much state based. I suspect only a small MFC supporter base would have a clue about AHG let alone any other footy fans. Peter Jackson has a big challenge.

After such a long stint at the Dees it is time for a change for both Jade and the Club.

Quite so BB, I somehow thought I would not get away with it, and I used the reference very loosely. I have read ODs posts far too often to realise that he is no Narcissus and indeed is a flawed human being like the rest of us.

Been to the pond lately OD? I find that a visit to the pond dispels any doubts and restores ones reality. Self reflection is very useful and quickly restores the disappointment of the human condition.

Thinking the same. Their manic attack on the ball makes one wonder. Supernatural.

A class act. Someone with a great future in life. Cant think of any other Demon recently retired or delisted that has had such tributes paid to him for his character traits. Life and sporting life can be a tough road. So often it's how you deal with misfortune that distinguishes some from others. In this regard, Jack stands tall. If he makes it with another AFL team, one will wonder if Goodwin should have given him more than a couple of games to adjust to senior footy and the speed of the game. Most Demon supporters would love to see him make it with another team but I will always think of Jack as a MFC person. If he doesn't make another AFL list would love to see him retained by the MFC in a coaching/mentoring role given his leadership qualities.

I'm not a fan of censorship of any form but I reckon it's called for regarding Watts. It has become tired and pointless. Let's leave it to the coach and FD or Jack himself. I have got to the stage where I don't want to read anything or talk about Jack Watts. Almost don't care any more.

Brilliant BB, beautifully stated.

He is one of a group of young players that really need to step up next year if we are going to have a good season. He will need to have a clear run from health and injury issues. He has the ability, so let's hope he can find form and be able to dominate in a position.

No need. As sure as night follows day, his day will come. In any event he has already destroyed himself personally and professionally.

Fair comment Biff

Agree with most of your comments. Never to sure about the leadership question. Sometimes great captains are great players who by their sheer will and brilliance can win matches off their own boot and in so doing lift the whole team. Their individual efforts then are seen as an indication that they are great leaders. Despite Nathan's will, he does not have this capacity. However, his guts and determination mean something. He appears also to set high standards on the training track, acts as a mentor to many of the youngsters and represents the club on and off the field superbly. In short, he has a number of leadership qualities. He will do me.

In regard to the Cats, most supporters have had him and want him gone. Go to the Cats website if you want a taste of the vitriol. And it's been going on for some years. Similarly at North, same story. An acquaintance and an ex North player gets very angry talking about Scott. Believes North will not progress with Scott and that his last few years have been a disaster from a list management and selection viewpoint.