Jack Darling vs Jack Watts

[Kong]

Both highly talented forwards, able to play further up the ground if required.

Darling's far more ready made, and to date has probably been better as a key forward, however on the flip side you could argue that Watts has a greater ceiling to improve, when he eventually fills out.

If given the opportunity to take either right now, who would it be?

 

[Dreambomber]

I actually think Watts has had the better season and will be the better player. Watts for mine.

 

[Underdog]

I'd take Watts.

 

[Elite Master]

I'm surprised Watts actually leads! because right now I'd take Darling in a heart beat. Big power forwards with AFL-made bodies at 19 years of age are rarities too good to pass up, plus he's a year younger.

Watts has improved this season, in fact he's probably Melbourne's best player in recent weeks, and whist there's upside to his game, gimme a KP tall anyday.

 

[Byron_Clanger]

Darling, a young, hard body who can crush people with tackles and has good chase down ability, can take a grab and kick goals

 

[Monkey King]

Wow. For once I get to choose the Jack Watts option and it's for real. Was far from ready when drafted, but Watts has been impressive at times this year and with some maturity, intensity and a firing midfield should be better than Darling.

 

[anti_]

watts has actually had a pretty good season, as has darling.

it's hard to say, they're vastly different players really.

Watts seems to get much more footy and has that touch of class.

Darling is more of a bash and crash forward who applies great defensive pressure.

it's a hard one also as Darling is physically bigger, but only in his first season compared to watts' third.

i'd go darling, only because i like the way he goes about it. players with mongrel are such an asset these days.

im waiting for this thread to be turned into a wce/melbourne slanging match.

 

[hank31]

I'd take Darling. He has something that you cant teach, mongrel and presence. These will only improve in years 2,3,4,5,6 etc..

Jack Watts has come a long long way this year though.

 

[GarnerSmash]

Tough one cos Watts has come on really well and will be a excellent mobile CHF whereas Darling is more of a power footballer and more of a natural, agressive key forward type.

I keep leaning towards Watts but then I think of who I would want to bring into a Grand Final and I go with Darling.

 

[Matera92]

Naita..err I mean I'd take Darling.

Darling has a presence that Watts just doesn't, I think Watts will end up the more skillful footballer however Darling is the type to stand up in a big game and impose his will on it.

Both will end up fantastic footballers but for mine play very different styles. The work Darling is doing for a first year footballer can't be underrated as he is coming off an OP ridden season last year and has still managed every game this year.

Watts I believe would thrive in a more..successful team at this point as he is copping the oppositions best defender more often than not due to him being one of the few tall targets the Demons have.

Will be interesting to see how the compare in say two years time.

 

[GrandBlue]

People seem to assume that just because Darling does a lot of grunt work in comparison to Watts, that he'll always be far superior in that area.

Watts will unquestionably end up the better player. Quicker, smarter, better skills and not far behind when it comes to defensive work. Darling might look better now, but that's because he's playing in a clearly better team.

Bookmark it, some time in the next 5 years, Watts will be well ahead of Darling.

 

[Kong]

Watts quicker than Darling?

I've seen Darling run down a player like he's Jeffey Garlett.

 

[anti_]

i think according to the draft trials, watts is quicker.

but like you have said, darling certainly has some pace, especially when chasing down an opponent.

 

[WCEprod]

[YOUTUBE]m1lEjpTRVOk[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Kong]

Draft trials are sometimes misleading, too.

Hurley's biggest query pre-draft was his pace.

He's shown a few times to have amazing acceleration (see the Sydney R2 and North games this year, from memory).

FWIW I think Watts has shown heaps this year. I just question whether it'll be as a key forward.

 

[whelan=legend]

and to date has probably been better as a key forward

How so?

 

[Kong]

He just has been.

Watts' best has been further up the ground.

 

[whelan=legend]

He just has been.

Watts' best has been further up the ground.

Yet Watts still averages more goals and more goal assists. Watts is better than Darling close to goal, up the ground, anywhere.

 

[Kong]

Agree to disagree.

 

[ndot]

3rd year player vs 1st year player

who could possibly know?

darling has had by far the better debut season, that's for sure. remains to be seen how much improvement he has in him.

watts is starting to look the goods though. would look even better if he wasnt playing for a rabble.

 

[Spitz]

Watts > Darling > Hurley

 

[Gaffanator]

Watts for mine. Don't get me wrong I'm very pleased with JD and he'll be a gun for the Eagles but you don't get picked at #1 for nothing. He (Watts) Has matured this year and has improved with every match. He's giving the Dees supporters something positive in a very dark year.

 

[Gaffanator]

Watts > Darling > Hurley

Hurley's a gun. He'll be top 5 in the comp next year Hurley, someone you can build a list around.

 

[Kong]

I don't recall putting Hurley into the OP/poll.

 

[hank31]

Haha whomb, I was waiting for Hurley to come in to the debate, it was only a matter of time and at least it wasn't an Essendon supporter bringing it up.

In 5 years time it would be great to compare the 3..