Roast Shane Watson - Forward Coach

[Nevbuster]

Given we've recruited well off-field, how did Shane Watson get the job of forward coach ? He was our defensive coach last year and we know how well that worked out. So what do we do, shift him to be our Forward coach and all of a sudden our offensive game has turned to rubbish and forward structures aren't working. Surely in all the AFL, there would be many more qualified to be a forward coach than Shane Watson ?? We've got basically the same players as last year so what's gone wrong Watson ?

 

[Only Forwards]

Tudor did it.

 

[Black Diamond]

This is very simplistic assessment of Watson's influence and unless you have inside info I don't see how anybody could judge the performance of an assistant coach.

Our playing structure is quite different to last season, particularly our ball movement. Black and Petrie aren't simply going to grasp the changes this season compared to last when we played a more free flowing and high risk style. They're getting fewer chances to score and the chances they get aren't always as good as last year.

It's also simplistic to blame him for our defensive efforts last year. It is pretty well settled that the ability of a back six to defend is linked to how the midfield performs.

 

[floss_7]

Yeah whatever, in 2012/2013 nobody could get a look in that backline because it was so strong, with a hell of a lot of depth.

Wato goes ok.

 

[Bowski]

He was the coach of the defenders/defensive unit not the whole teams defensive set-up and mindset. Considering how awful the latter was it would seem that he did an admirable job.

 

[The Nostradamus]

There better be major improvement to the forward structure otherwise I agree we should get a better forwards coach to replace him at years end

 

[Roo-Boy]

Yes replace him with the Duck. Long live the King.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Was a dud forward in his playing days....

 

[Wild Bill]

Our slow ball use and defensive game is hurting out forwards. While we chip it around the backline the opposition are getting back in numbers. This is not on Watson. Terrible thread.

 

[tazaa]

Il be honest Ive been critical of Watson for the past 3 years but really the onus is on the players. Its well and truly on their heads what they do out on the park.

But I wont shy away from the fact that defensively in 2012 and 2013 and offensively in 2014 under him we have been poor.
Once or twice and its a coincidence. A correlation of 3 consecutive years and the question has to be asked. Is he good enough?
Even if it is far-fetched the club has to be true to itself and believe if we have the best support staff for the players or can we do better.

 

[Blanket_melb]

Last year there was such a kamikaze approach when ball movement was entering our forward 50, it seemed almost impossible not to score or hit a target. This year it really does seem like there is a drought, and the players need to keep chipping away and lowering their eyes before a score can be made. It's frustrating

 

[WesternRoo]

The slow ball movement up field isn't helping, but it just seems chaotic in there.

Crumbers flying for marks, midfielders overcrowding the 50 and blocking up space and poor positioning overall from our key forwards.

Fruity was just a born goal kicker. Don't discount how much of a loss he has been.

 

[roomagic1984]

But at least he took a hattrick recently

 

[TwentyNine]

I've never understood why assistant coaches don't coach the position they played. I remember reading that Simon Black was name forward coach at Brisbane and thinking "...yeah, that'll do a whole lot of good?"

 

[Twinkletoes]

I imagine someone at North once queried why we'd opt for a battling ex back pocket player as coach of our U19's team in the late 80's too. A great teacher and tactician doesn't have to be a member of MENSA. Those who know The Other Watto and his work are obviously impressed enough to continue on with him among the coaching team. As for his change of roles we seem to rotate assistant coaches' roles almost annually.

 

[Zondor]

Our slow ball use and defensive game is hurting out forwards. While we chip it around the backline the opposition are getting back in numbers. This is not on Watson. Terrible thread.

Who is it on? :stern look

 

[verypoorboy]

But at least he took a hattrick recently

Why the hell would they sign a cricket player as a forward coach for footy? Dumb decisions being made at the club. He's not even retired player either.

 

[shintemaster]

The only nagging thing for me - and this isn't really about Watson more the forward line as a whole - is that while yes, we were full of attack last year. We scored a lot of goals from slow considered picking players on leads from a kick just outside 50m. That seems to be missing this year.

 

[Mav]

I've never understood why assistant coaches don't coach the position they played. I remember reading that Simon Black was name forward coach at Brisbane and thinking "...yeah, that'll do a whole lot of good?"

Brisbane Firebirds?

My question is, has Scotts done a Coach the Coach course? Surely he would have learnt an easy fix if he had.

 

[shinboner spiggs]

Why the hell would they sign a cricket player as a forward coach for footy? Dumb decisions being made at the club. He's not even retired player either.

and he's a ****ing shit cricketer but thats for another board

 

[scooby1279]

The only nagging thing for me - and this isn't really about Watson more the forward line as a whole - is that while yes, we were full of attack last year. We scored a lot of goals from slow considered picking players on leads from a kick just outside 50m. That seems to be missing this year.

spot on. The game plan has changed so not a reflection of Watson.

 

[benbanjo]

Just need Mullet and maybe Thomo taking pings for goal beyond 50... JZ could be in that mold too....

 

[TwentyNine]

Just need Mullet and maybe Thomo taking pings for goal beyond 50... JZ could be in that mold too....

Just for a laugh, I'd love to see us shift Scott Thompson to CHF for a week. I'm not seriously recommending it, I just think it would be a sight to behold.

 

[benbanjo]

Just for a laugh, I'd love to see us shift Scott Thompson to CHF for a week. I'm not seriously recommending it, I just think it would be a sight to behold.

the guy can do anything.... its certainly not the craziest idea...

 

[shinboner spiggs]

the guy can do anything.... its certainly not the craziest idea...

played on harley bennell last week and got beaten, thought they might have changed it up with him but it wasnt to be