Is Watts really Locked in at MFC?

[Cruiser23]

A month ago, Watts was fairly secure to be taken at number 1 in my view but right now i'm not so sure. His form of late hasn't been great and from what i've been reading and heard from a few people, the mental side to his game is a little scratchy. Talent wise and potential wise i believe he's the pick of the bunch (by a hair over Naitanui) but these questions marks might be enough to put the Dees off, also there's the issue about whether he'll be physically dominant enough to hold together a forward line.

I don't think this Warnock issue will change Melbourne's thinking to much, they may start to lean toward Naitanui but it wouldn't be clear cut, there will still be quality talls with picks 17 and 19

If i was in Melbournes position, i'd be picking Daniel Rich. He is the safer pick out of the three and i don't think the Dees can take to much of a risk with this number 1 pick. While they have deficiencies in both the ruck division and forward line, there midfielders aren't anything to ride home about, you can't have to many quality midfielders and the overall package Rich brings, i think he's the man for the Dees.

I'm probably in the small minority with this opinion but i think Rich is a fantastic prospect and he, along with McLean and Jones would make a very good core group of midfielders for the Dees going forward.

 

[Goffa]

And which Tyson was it who went to West Coast? Stenglein, right? I only remember because he left Adelaide to go back to Perth as part of the same 'homesickness convoy' that saw Scott Thompson go back to Adelaide from the Demons.
Stenglein was the defensive midfielder West Coast needed, just two brownlow votes, but his excellent stopping efforts and decent counter-attack were a big help to the attacking Judd, Kerr and Cousins.

 

[its game on]

A month ago, Watts was fairly secure to be taken at number 1 in my view but right now i'm not so sure. His form of late hasn't been great and from what i've been reading and heard from a few people, the mental side to his game is a little scratchy. Talent wise and potential wise i believe he's the pick of the bunch (by a hair over Naitanui) but these questions marks might be enough to put the Dees off, also there's the issue about whether he'll be physically dominant enough to hold together a forward line.

I don't think this Warnock issue will change Melbourne's thinking to much, they may start to lean toward Naitanui but it wouldn't be clear cut, there will still be quality talls with picks 17 and 19. /quote]

I disagree, I reckon NN's a dreadlock better than Jack.

 

[pinkus maximus]

possibly the worst top 5 phantom i've seen so far.. hartlett at 3? give me a break

why. if watts doesn't nominate, who would freo take at 3? hartlett is widely regarded as the next best mid after rich

 

[Bourky23]

mmm i just don't really agree with it.. there are about 6-7 kids who you can put in the top 5 and i dono.. don't like his order.. there is no way Watts will slip out of the top 5.. he'll nominate, don't you worry about that.. that poster has a massive hate for Watts for some reason and i dono it just shits me.. and because i don't hate Watts to apparently that means we're related..

 

[Bourky23]

IMO Freo will take Ziebell before Hartlett too.. i reckon it's a much better fit

 

[pinkus maximus]

i would be happy with either tbh. i like ziebell's flexibility, but in saying that we don't have a lot of genuine onballers in the mould of hartlett

 

[Nater]

Watts will nominate for the draft and is garunteed to go pick in the top 3 unless Vickery gets selected early in which case Port will take him at pick 4.

 

[Stats right]

A month ago, Watts was fairly secure to be taken at number 1 in my view but right now i'm not so sure. His form of late hasn't been great and from what i've been reading and heard from a few people, the mental side to his game is a little scratchy. Talent wise and potential wise i believe he's the pick of the bunch (by a hair over Naitanui) but these questions marks might be enough to put the Dees off, also there's the issue about whether he'll be physically dominant enough to hold together a forward line.

I don't think this Warnock issue will change Melbourne's thinking to much, they may start to lean toward Naitanui but it wouldn't be clear cut, there will still be quality talls with picks 17 and 19

If i was in Melbournes position, i'd be picking Daniel Rich. He is the safer pick out of the three and i don't think the Dees can take to much of a risk with this number 1 pick. While they have deficiencies in both the ruck division and forward line, there midfielders aren't anything to ride home about, you can't have to many quality midfielders and the overall package Rich brings, i think he's the man for the Dees.

I'm probably in the small minority with this opinion but i think Rich is a fantastic prospect and he, along with McLean and Jones would make a very good core group of midfielders for the Dees going forward.

Watts has until November to nominate! If Melbourne indicate to him, just prior to nominations closing, that they will take him at number one, then he may nominate.
He is an underage player, still at school and may perhaps not feel ready to nominate this year if there is a possibility that he will leave Melbourne!

Remember the WA boys listed below are playing against senior players, many with current AFL experience, not against under 19 year olds in colts or school footy!!
Let’s keep their performances in perspective when comparing players, especially from Melbourne.

Dan Rich (S) 18 yrs
2008 WAFL Season
15 games av 15.2 possessions 3.2 marks and 1.2 goals per game
All Australian 18s player 2007 and 2008
WAFL debut 2007

Matt DeBoer (Cl) 18 yrs
14 games av 17.2 possessions and 3.8 marks
All Australian 2008
Joint Best and Fairest for WA

Nic Naitanui (SD) 18 yrs
15 games av 10.6 possessions and 2.0 marks
All Australian 18s player 2007 and 2008

Chris Yarran (SD) 18 yrs
11 games av 14.3 possessions and 3 marks
Kicked 34 goals and 19 points

 

[Bluebear]

1- Naitanui (Melb)

2- Rich (WCE)

3- Hartlett (Freo)

4- Vickery (port)

5- Hurley (Ess)

Even if you put Ziebell in for Freo at 3...........If Watts falls to pick 6 I think the collective orgasm from "VISY" park could knock the Earth off its axis.

 

[Cruiser23]

Watts has until November to nominate! If Melbourne indicate to him, just prior to nominations closing, that they will take him at number one, then he may nominate.
He is an underage player, still at school and may perhaps not feel ready to nominate this year if there is a possibility that he will leave Melbourne!

He should nominate, not sure why people think he won't. What makes you think he still would stay in Melbourne next year? He's got every chance to be picked up by an interstate team next year. He doesn't have to play AFL next year, he can do exactly what Dangerfield is doing. Right now he is going to be drafted this year unless he says otherwise, for now everyone should presume he is in the draft.

Remember the WA boys listed below are playing against senior players, many with current AFL experience, not against under 19 year olds in colts or school footy!!
Let’s keep their performances in perspective when comparing players, especially from Melbourne.

Dan Rich (S) 18 yrs
2008 WAFL Season
15 games av 15.2 possessions 3.2 marks and 1.2 goals per game
All Australian 18s player 2007 and 2008
WAFL debut 2007

Matt DeBoer (Cl) 18 yrs
14 games av 17.2 possessions and 3.8 marks
All Australian 2008
Joint Best and Fairest for WA

Nic Naitanui (SD) 18 yrs
15 games av 10.6 possessions and 2.0 marks
All Australian 18s player 2007 and 2008

Chris Yarran (SD) 18 yrs
11 games av 14.3 possessions and 3 marks
Kicked 34 goals and 19 points

Not sure what this has to do with my post, but thanks anyway.

 

[Campbell's Chunky]

There's still another player who may go here...

Correct. Melbourne are very keen on Vickery (as are a lot of clubs).

They are desperate to get him.

They are just weighing up if he's worth #1.

My sources are correct.

Although there is still plenty of time before the draft date of Saturday November 29, Bailey indicated it was down to four players, Nicholas Naitanui, Daniel Rich, Tyrone Vickery and Jack Watts.

http://afl.com.au/News/NEWSARTICLE/tabid/208/Default.aspx?newsId=68549

[/Tyre Pumping]

 

[hoiley80]

if vickery went at 1. what happens?

1-vickery
2-rich
3-natanui
4-watts???

 

[Campbell's Chunky]

if vickery went at 1. what happens?

1-vickery
2-rich
3-natanui
4-watts???

watts could even slide to pick 5, given the 3 interstate teams will be turned off.

 

[whelan=legend]

If Watts doesnt go number 1 (fat chance) he won't go past 3. Fremantle will take him if he's there (as i said, unlikely)

 

[melbourne150]

watts could even slide to pick 5, given the 3 interstate teams will be turned off.

He wouldn't go past pick 3, Freo rate him very highly...

EDIT: Whelan beat me to it.

 

[Campbell's Chunky]

If Watts doesnt go number 1 (fat chance) he won't go past 3. Fremantle will take him if he's there (as i said, unlikely)

Fair enough.

I don't know anything about Freo, so I wouldnt know about them.

I've only got a source inside the Melbourne camp.

 

[Bluebear]

If Watts doesnt go number 1 (fat chance) he won't go past 3. Fremantle will take him if he's there (as i said, unlikely)

Really?
Would have thought midfield and ruck would be there focus with the exodus that has occurred.

 

[whelan=legend]

Fair enough.

I don't know anything about Freo, so I wouldnt know about them.

I've only got a source inside the Melbourne camp.

If so who are the dees favouring? Would have to be Watts?

 

[Campbell's Chunky]

If so who are the dees favouring? Would have to be Watts?

Yes, Watts is favourite.

I would say:

Watts 50%
Naita 20%
Vickery 20%
Rich 10%

 

[AUSSIE258]

My information from someone who was very strategically placed at the MFC best and fairest night is that Watts is no foregone conclusion and a lot more thought is being put into the matter of one Nick Naitanui than many people might think. Like most of us, the Demons were surprised by the big man's height measurement of close to 201 centimetres not to mention his dazzling results in all manner of tests.

Naitanui might well be on his way to wearing the colours of the red and the blue in 2009 and onwards.

 

[sharpie]

My information from someone who was very strategically placed at the MFC best and fairest night is that Watts is no foregone conclusion and a lot more thought is being put into the matter of one Nick Naitanui than many people might think. Like most of us, the Demons were surprised by the big man's height measurement of close to 201 centimetres not to mention his dazzling results in all manner of tests.

Naitanui might well be on his way to wearing the colours of the red and the blue in 2009 and onwards.

I hope that's the case - would love a key forward like Watts at WCE

 

[whelan=legend]

My information from someone who was very strategically placed at the MFC best and fairest night is that Watts is no foregone conclusion and a lot more thought is being put into the matter of one Nick Naitanui than many people might think. Like most of us, the Demons were surprised by the big man's height measurement of close to 201 centimetres not to mention his dazzling results in all manner of tests.

Naitanui might well be on his way to wearing the colours of the red and the blue in 2009 and onwards.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/spo...-19742,00.html

Lets hope not. Watts all the way.

 

[keviewiggle]

If Watts fell to WCE at 2 They would take him in a flash. No way they would take Rich if Watts was available.
The more I see of him indicates that he will be a superstar.
He has it written all over him.
He is a certain No 1 IMO. His performances at draft camp only serve to reinforce this.

 

[adii_7]

wud be insanely nice to see him wait til pick 5