Originally posted by naughty monkey
What will Watts learn playing CHF/HF/FP in a side that can't kick 10 goals a game?
For me THE most important thing with Fergus is that he have a fantastic preseason next year. Then he will be primed for the start of '05. That's the whole point here, I want him as advanced as possible by the start of 2005.
For that reason I don't want him to be carrying a few niggles and be "worn down" at the end of the year like nearly all first year players seem to be when they come in and play during their first season. (e.g. Luke Ball and Brendon Gooddard)
In the grand sheme of things Stiffy, what difference is 6 to 8 weeks going to make to the career of Fergus Watts? Yes he is a good size already, but his body is still maturing (he will put on another 10 kegs at least imo). He has only been back for 5 weeks from OP. Why not let him settle in at SANFL level and find his feet there. What do you gain by promoting him now instead of in 8 weeks time?
If he maintains a respectable level of form in the SANFL why not promote him for the last 4 or so matches? I just don't see why he has to go up straight away, the risks far outweigh the benefits, imo.
I don't disagree with the comments, other than he will learn more at AFL level than SANFL level. Particularly about the pace, ball movement and that would hold him in good stead for next year.
Having said that His form is OK with WWT, but nothing special, and Iam in favour of him finding his feet, certainly for another 4-6 games with WWT.
My major concern is the way he plays his football - its a very physical brand that he plays, which presently he can get away with at SANFL, but the bodies are bigger and moving quicker at AFL.
I would like to see a season of development at SANFL, as you say 4-6 games in a FP to learn from Carey, and a full PS, where he can add more weight and better prepare his body for the type of game he plays.