Fergie Watts turning it on at Richmond

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Mong

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#31
Back on Watts, I too went down to the game to see Watts play.

Bear in mind this is the one and only time I have seen him play I thought I would share a couple of observations.

Most notable was his ability to take a contested mark, as others have said. The one he took running with the flight and took the mark whilst colliding with oncoming pack was particularly impressive.

He seemed to lead well and towards the middle of the ground, rarely going too wide. Was able to take the ball with one grab on several occasions, in fact don't recall him fumbling any mark except one very difficult high flyer which he couldn't quite hang on to.

He really likes to hit the packs hard, and at speed. He seemed to be at home when on the move and running onto the ball or onto the pack.

The one area that stood out that he isn't as comfortable or as skilled is in the body on body contests. When he was stationary in a contest he rarely looked likely to get near a mark and struggled a bit in that area, which was really the only downside I saw in his game on Saturday. Increased strength and size may help in this area.

Another thing I noticed with Watts on Saturday was that he really played his position. He didn't drift away from his position too often and played the corridor. He was always positioned around the goal square or around the true centre half forward position.

I think he could play in defence too. He has strong hands.

All in all a promising performance from Fergus and with more experience at SANFL level really should develop nicely.


****
 

Mong

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#33
I think he has the physical attributes to play now. I don't think his game is, or ever will be, reliant on body on body contests so if he can make the most of his other strengths he should be ok. If he puts in a few more performances like he did on the weekend I see no reason why he couldn't play AFL later this season.

Even without Carey we have Perrie and McGregor to play CHF. Watts would complement those players.

As I said, though, that's the one and only game I have seen him play so we will have to see whether he can perform like that regularly at SANFL level.


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Stiffy_18

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#34
****, I think your observations are very valid. Watts is at his best when he is "running into a contest" rather than body on body marking. He has been learning a few tips from Carey in how to use his body in one on one contests. I also agree he would be ready to play AFL footy now BUT its probably better to hold him back a bit.

Kane, I think it wil be a HUGE ask of the kid to step up next year and be Caey replacement. While I think he will play every game next year if fit, I think next year he should be eased into it by being played out of the pocket or on HFF.
 
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#35
Originally posted by Stiffy_18
Kane, I think it wil be a HUGE ask of the kid to step up next year and be Caey replacement. While I think he will play every game next year if fit, I think next year he should be eased into it by being played out of the pocket or on HFF.
Which is the same as what we are now doing with Carey. ;)
 

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#36
Originally posted by Kane McGoodwin
Which is the same as what we are now doing with Carey. ;)
With young players there is always a big risk of burnout. I just don't want to risk it with Watts and I am sure AFC feel the same way. Maybe keep Carey on for another year :eek:
 

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tribey

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#38
Originally posted by Stiffy_18
Maybe keep Carey on for another year :eek:
If he can move like that every week then we'd do well to keep him on until he's 40. ;)

As we all know, the problem with Wayne is how he pulls up the week after - every time he's played the odd burster like that he's looked stiff, tired and pish the week after, and that's if he's passed fit.
 

Stiffy_18

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#39
Originally posted by dyertribe
As we all know, the problem with Wayne is how he pulls up the week after - every time he's played the odd burster like that he's looked stiff, tired and pish the week after, and that's if he's passed fit.
I think tat is extremely good point. Last year when Carey played a game in which he turned back the clock, he struggled the following week. I think it will be a big test against Essendon. It will be interesting to see how he goes against the bombers.

I just hope we don't nail him down in the goal square and give him limited space to move in. I would give him a bit more freedom.
 
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#40
Originally posted by Stiffy_18
I just hope we don't nail him down in the goal square and give him limited space to move in. I would give him a bit more freedom.
Yeah, looked a lot more at home last week, just roaming around the forward line as he wanted. Also, made our forward line more open & less predictable. Also, liked that Ayres actually rested Carey for the 1st time this year during the game to keep him fresh. Should do it more often, particularly if he a little sore.
 

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#42
Originally posted by naughty monkey
****, Stiffy

What's the verdict on Rutten, when held up for comparison alongside Watts. Is he ever going to be anything better than a fringe player at best?
IMHO, Rutten is not iven in the same ball park as Watts. If he can improve his pace and mobility he could turn out to be a solid AFL player but unless he does improve in those areas he will be a fringe player. Pitty really because he is a footballer.
 
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