Jamar the tonic for Watts

[sledbomber]

Hey guys,

Here is an article that I wrote the other day. I thought I would share it with you guys.

Jamar the tonic for Watts

As early as round 11 last year some people had already written off the then 18 year old key forward Jack Watts. Obviously there are some people who are prepared to judge first year players after just a few games. Watts who is now in his second year after an injury and school interrupted first year is starting to make these people a little bit red in the face. Where are you now Leigh Matthews?

But I will give credence to some of the people who were willing to question the Demons selection at number 1 in the draft. Turn the clock back to August last year. Watts had been dropped back to Casey and then suffered a hand injury that ultimately ended his first season at the club. At this same time number 2 pick behind Jack in the 2008 draft Nic Naitanui was showing glimpses of a future superstar of the game. Even at 19 (one year older than Jack) and playing in such a demanding position (ruck) he was holding his own. Each week he would make a mark on the game and would always feature in the highlight real at the end of the game. Back to Melbourne at this same time and their ruck department was the worst in the league. Mark Jamar was injured a lot of the season, when he played he showed glimpses of potential but at 26 years old it seemed that he was never going to be more than a backup ruck option. So it was understandable that some people would question why Melbourne didn’t take Nic before Jack in the draft.

Now at August 09, 2010 Mark Jamar is favoured to make the All Australian Team. Mark has been able to take his game to a whole new level. He has carried the club this season, often being asked to go alone in the ruck all day. He has been simply sensational. Add to this Paul Johnson who has come in to the team in the last few weeks. He has also been able to improve his game and looks more than capable to back up Mark Jamar for years to come. And after a bright start to the season Naitanui’s form has fallen away over the last eight weeks and it is now likely that he will be dropped before the end of the season.

So with the improvement in the ruck department to the point where it is now one of the best duo’s in the league and it is certainly no longer an issue at the club it has taken away the argument that Melbourne had to choose a ruckman in that draft. And Jack Watts has taken away the argument that he wasn’t the perfect pick for the Dees in that draft due to his stunning progression over the last month. He has shown us exactly why he was rated by most as the most talented player in that draft. He has sublime skills, is quick, good below his knees and has a lot of character. So to all those people out there who doubted Jack and the Melbourne Football club there is a lesson to be learnt here. Don’t judge kids too early or you will just end up looking stupid (yes this includes you Leigh Matthews).
Sled.

 

[stretcharmstrong]

Specifically, particularly and exactly - Leigh Mattews if you ask me.

Good article

 

[demons64]

Good article...good arguement. Don't mind Mathews. Brutally honest and sees things in black & white. Doesn't mean he always gets them right though!!

 

[Andy_Mac]

Good article...good arguement. Don't mind Mathews. Brutally honest and sees things in black & white. Doesn't mean he always gets them right though!!

BS.

Leight Mathews is a pillock.

 

[Unleash Hell]

Good article...good arguement. Don't mind Mathews. Brutally honest and sees things in black & white. Doesn't mean he always gets them right though!!

I agree a little harsh on Lethal, you have to remember that these blokes are paid to give their opinions even if they are right or wrong.

 

[The Falcon Strike]

Just a quick question - and given this was the first Watts thread I found on here.

When he was drafted he was touted as a full-forward.

However in the handful of games I have seen him - he seems a much more natural CHF than a quick lead up FF.

Thoughts?

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

Just a quick question - and given this was the first Watts thread I found on here.

When he was drafted he was touted as a full-forward.

However in the handful of games I have seen him - he seems a much more natural CHF than a quick lead up FF.

Thoughts?

he can play both, but he was always touted as a CHF and by MFC as a potential playmaker from CHF as well as a goalscorer, i would also add that he hasn't really been tried in either key position, as Bailey is trying to give him confidence and get him involved before moving him to a key position in its true sense

 

[saj_21]

Good points there sled, it certainly was frustrating earlier in the year not only the majority of the footy public but also Melbournse supporters questioning the choice of selecting Watts.

I was sitting next to some Richmond supporters at last weeks game who bagged him at every opportunity. I felt like saying to them what about Jack Reiwoldt has he been kicking 70+ goals every since he came into the AFL. For mine a perfect example of how a forward should progress in and up the AFL system.

On a side note, highlight of the year (so far) was round 9 after the final siren Leigh Colbert interviewing Jamar completely exhuasted and sitting ont he ground. The bloke barely hand enough energy to talk...respect

 

[stretcharmstrong]

Good points there sled, it certainly was frustrating earlier in the year not only the majority of the footy public but also Melbournse supporters questioning the choice of selecting Watts.

I was sitting next to some Richmond supporters at last weeks game who bagged him at every opportunity. I felt like saying to them what about Jack Reiwoldt has he been kicking 70+ goals every since he came into the AFL. For mine a perfect example of how a forward should progress in and up the AFL system.

On a side note, highlight of the year (so far) was round 9 after the final siren Leigh Colbert interviewing Jamar completely exhuasted and sitting ont he ground. The bloke barely hand enough energy to talk...respect

City end, first level, behind the goals by any chance Saj?

 

[cannons]

Leigh Matthews has been an absolute moron in relation to his comments surrounding Jack Watts.

After the Eagles match at the MCG earlier in the year, Leigh contended that Jack would be a fringe player at best for the MFC. I know he's a commentator paid to voice his opinions, but really, after being the coach of multiple AFL clubs, he should be in the best possible position to realise that young KPFs take time to develop. For one reason or another, however, he decided that Watts didn't deserve that luxury, and as a consequence of that, he decided to sink the boot in, all the while praising the brilliance of Naitanui, who was largely transparent in that game aside from a couple of nice marks.

In any case, Jack is going to be a star for us, irrespective of what Leigh Matthews has to say on the subject.

Nice article too, by the way

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

Good points there sled, it certainly was frustrating earlier in the year not only the majority of the footy public but also Melbournse supporters questioning the choice of selecting Watts.

I was sitting next to some Richmond supporters at last weeks game who bagged him at every opportunity. I felt like saying to them what about Jack Reiwoldt has he been kicking 70+ goals every since he came into the AFL. For mine a perfect example of how a forward should progress in and up the AFL system.

On a side note, highlight of the year (so far) was round 9 after the final siren Leigh Colbert interviewing Jamar completely exhuasted and sitting ont he ground. The bloke barely hand enough energy to talk...respect

same with a couple of my richmond supporting friends i was sitting with, whenever jack did something good i let him know, especially in that last term, his face was as red as a beetroot