Watson - 2012 and beyond

[CaptainCharisma]

Just wondering the thoughts of other Blues fans on the position of Watson/Henderson for next year or 2013 and beyond, depending on when Watson is ready for the top flight.

We drafted Watson as hopefully a 10 year CHB, will Henderson move back forward when Watson is ready or does Watson have any forward attributes?

Excited about the future of both these boys either way!!

 

[Bluebear]

Just wondering the thoughts of other Blues fans on the position of Watson/Henderson for next year or 2013 and beyond, depending on when Watson is ready for the top flight.

We drafted Watson as hopefully a 10 year CHB, will Henderson move back forward when Watson is ready or does Watson have any forward attributes?

Excited about the future of both these boys either way!!

I guess time will tell, but I think Henderson will go back to CHF with Watson to play CHB.

 

[Poseidon]

Watson FB, Henderson CHB, Jamison GWS.

lol but seriously, I'd like to think there's room for all 3 there. Hendo is too valuable down back and too inconsistent up forward to be considered a permanent CHF IMO.

 

[gbatman]

It's got me wondering. Sure they will be competing for a spot. Wouldn't suprise me if we try and work on developing Watson s a forward over the preseason.

I think Henderson has CHB sown up and Jamison has FB. If Watson turns out to be pretty good and improves in the areas he has to, and there are a lot of things he needs to improve on, then we can always move Jamison to a back pocket and use him in the same way as Fletcher and Scarlett are used as Jamison can play on smaller forwards a bit and has a good attacking game now.

Henderson is not strong enough at this stage to be a forward and we have a long kicking game. Would like to see better hands on him too if he is to be a forward prospect. So I can see Henderson playing defence and as he matures and improves his strength then perhaps he can go forward then.

Watson needs to improve a lot of things like foiling the many tricks of a forward, blocking leads, his spoiling and using his body to spoil, his aggression and physicality, his reading of the AFL game plan, his fittness and his offensive game such as contested marking and getting lose off his man to be a target. He will more than likely get there.

If Patty McCarthy turns out good and Bower gets fit and remains on our list then we have more headaches but best to worry aabout it when these players start pushing for selection.

 

[zeeCFC]

Our KPP curse will ensure they all make way for one and other.

 

[ScarfacePacino]

Just wondering the thoughts of other Blues fans on the position of Watson/Henderson for next year or 2013 and beyond, depending on when Watson is ready for the top flight.

We drafted Watson as hopefully a 10 year CHB, will Henderson move back forward when Watson is ready or does Watson have any forward attributes?

Excited about the future of both these boys either way!!

No Watson is gone at CHB, Henderson is a ready made CHB and quicker, will dominate there and should play at CHB. I like Too see Watson develop as a Full Back if not CHF.

 

[Beloved]

He has had a pretty good first year as far as a developing key position defender goes. He has played some great games for the Ants recently.

 

[HARKER]

I love Watson's leg, but still not easy on him being ready next year.

Let's also not forget about McCarthy. Given a little form and opportunity, I wouldn't be surprised for him to overtake Watson as first cab off the rank.

I also get the impression that as for happy the coaches are for Hendersons efforts down back, their plans are for him up forward.

The pre-season will tell the story and it should be the best one yet, considering the quality depth we currently have and with many guys coming through to stake their claims for 2013.

I can't wait to see Mitchell, McCarthy, Watson, Collins, Lucas and our new recruits being put through their paces.

 

[Silvagnis]

Henderson is not strong enough at this stage to be a forward and we have a long kicking game. Would like to see better hands on him too if he is to be a forward prospect. So I can see Henderson playing defence and as he matures and improves his strength then perhaps he can go forward then.

Why is Henderson strong enough to take forwards, but not backmen?

Cloke ragdolled him this year.

It's similar to the bullshit argument that Lachie's too slow to play forward, yet he is fast enough and strong enough to play back and chase opponents. And his hands must be poor after he has shown that eh can read the play and mark the opposition's inside fifties going back with the flight.

Henderson is a lot bigger than Thornton who has played well as a marking forward.

Lachie can and will go forward down the track.

 

[Nerv_01]

I personally see Lachie's time down back as educational - learn the tactics good forwards use to beat defenders and also learn a lot about backmen too. Will be valuable for his versatility too. I really like his game down back but if he plays with confidence he's got at the moment he'll be very good regardless of whether he is at CHB or CHF.

 

[Blue and Silver]

Watson will make a good third tall for next year. From what I saw of him in his junior years does well zoning off, can collect a lot of the ball, wins one on ones and has the massive boot.

Alternatively I think seeing Henderson going forward would be good for the side

 

[NAUGHT5]

I personally see Lachie's time down back as educational - learn the tactics good forwards use to beat defenders and also learn a lot about backmen too. Will be valuable for his versatility too. I really like his game down back but if he plays with confidence he's got at the moment he'll be very good regardless of whether he is at CHB or CHF.

Initially, I thought this also. But if he keeps playing so well, do we risk moving him again? I think he can be a decent forward, but his best AFL form so far has been back.

 

[HARKER]

Initially, I thought this also. But if he keeps playing so well, do we risk moving him again? I think he can be a decent forward, but his best AFL form so far has been back.

I just hope for us to be in a position to be able to do so.
We still haven't got our CHB and CHF posts nailed down yet, so until a Watson, Mitchell or McCarthy come on, Henderson will stay.

 

[Bluebear]

Henderson is not strong enough at this stage to be a forward and we have a long kicking game. Would like to see better hands on him too if he is to be a forward prospect. So I can see Henderson playing defence and as he matures and improves his strength then perhaps he can go forward then.

You need to go and look at the tapes of Josh Kennedy when he played with us, and his first year or so at the WCE. Fot that matter, look at tapes of Roughead as well.

For their first few years, until they got confidence, they were all similar to Henderson ATM. Make great space and get to the right spot, but drop the ball. Confidence.

So would you have banished Kennedy to the two's? Had he and Roughy down back (remember the Hawks did play Roughy at CHB for some time while he got his confidence).

This stint down back for Lachie is great. Fans are appplauding his efforts rather than giving the Bronx cheer, despite his performace at the end of last year where he showed why he'll be a CHF for us.

Hopefully he has an uninterrupted pre-season, and if Bower is still with us and fit I'd like to see:

B: Joseph Jamison Laidler
HB: Yarren Bower/Watson Duigan

HF: Walker Henderson Gibbs/other resting or rotating mid
FF: Betts Waite/Setanta Garlett

I think Watson and Bower will be fighting for the same position next year, and with Bowers fitness, I know which way I'm leaning.

I mentioned this earlier in the year, but I'd be looking at Bower seriously as trade bait.

 

[Kades_Dad]

It's a good problem to have. Watson will take time.

Waite's career is coming to an end, just at about the time that Lachie steps up to become a 50+ goal per game CHF for us.

 

[gbatman]

Why is Henderson strong enough to take forwards, but not backmen?

Cloke ragdolled him this year.

It's similar to the bullshit argument that Lachie's too slow to play forward, yet he is fast enough and strong enough to play back and chase opponents. And his hands must be poor after he has shown that eh can read the play and mark the opposition's inside fifties going back with the flight.

Henderson is a lot bigger than Thornton who has played well as a marking forward.

Lachie can and will go forward down the track.

Thornton has the best hands in our side, they really are quite good. That is what you want from a forward. Henderson's strength isn't great and even Hurley brushed him off in the last two games against them. As we have seen with Jamison who is really strong this year, it is super important for not just coming out 50/50 in a marking battle but to win the ball from it. The reason why you need to be extra strong and have some body mass as a forward is because as a forward you are trying to beat your man, hold your ground and hold marks. Not just bring it to ground. As a backman you have won when you break even in a contest as all you are trying to do is stop someone from marking it by making a spoil or pushing them off line, it's a lot easier than beating them to get the ball. Henderson looks like a great CHB to me or a lead up CHF. I have no time for lead up CHF's, especially in our game plan, if they can't take marks deep in the forward line then they are a waste of space in our side.

Henderson might mature into a forward but I would rather him play CHB where he is actually impacting on games. Gee we looked good with two quality big defenders on the weekend. The forward line is going to have to wait for Waite and Mitchell and the improvement of our ruckmen as forwards. Setanta and Thornton are giving is a bit and Walker is too for now but they aren't really dangerous.

Watson has the build and height to be a forward as well as having a long kick which is a massive bonus for forwards. I'd like to see us work on him in that role over the summer. I'm not sure what his hands are like but attacking the ball and taking marks is an area he needs to grow for both ends.

You need to go and look at the tapes of Josh Kennedy when he played with us, and his first year or so at the WCE. Fot that matter, look at tapes of Roughead as well.

For their first few years, until they got confidence, they were all similar to Henderson ATM. Make great space and get to the right spot, but drop the ball. Confidence.

So would you have banished Kennedy to the two's? Had he and Roughy down back (remember the Hawks did play Roughy at CHB for some time while he got his confidence).

This stint down back for Lachie is great. Fans are appplauding his efforts rather than giving the Bronx cheer, despite his performace at the end of last year where he showed why he'll be a CHF for us.

Hopefully he has an uninterrupted pre-season, and if Bower is still with us and fit I'd like to see:

B: Joseph Jamison Laidler

HB: Yarren Bower/Watson Duigan


HF: Walker Henderson Gibbs/other resting or rotating mid

FF: Betts Waite/Setanta Garlett


I think Watson and Bower will be fighting for the same position next year, and with Bowers fitness, I know which way I'm leaning.


I mentioned this earlier in the year, but I'd be looking at Bower seriously as trade bait.

Yeah I remember Kennedy well. He wasn't too bad early on, we kicked it to his feet a lot and rarely to his advantage I remember. Roughy was a handy CHB but was moved in their premiership years as the Hawks had quality options like Croad etc. Don't be suprised if Roughead returns to CHB in 2012 either.

We shouldn't just throw Henderson to the forward line, we can throw him there when he matures into a stronger player but even then we are robbing the defence. IF/when he matures into a strong robust player we can throw him forward as long as this isn't hurting our defence as I can see the rise of the two tall forwards and resting ruckman structure coming back into fashion very soon.

I think Bower will be asked to trim down and train extremely hard and become more of a runnning agile type who plays on smaller opponants but can still play on talls obviously. I think we have tried to build him up as a CHB and that may have caused injury problems. Wouldn't suprise me if we have him as a 3rd tall and have him playing a Fletcher/Scarlett/Harley type role next season. Either that or trade him for someone good.

I wouldn't expect Watson to be a world beater next year as he will be still only a teenager I think. Really want to see his endurance improve and really want to see him learn to play in other positions. I think he should be developed as a forward as he has all the attributes and very little of the know how. Which he can learn, this is why we aquired so many high profile coaches and developement coaches. Watson is the ideal fit for a modern CHF as he is very tall, strong, will be powerful and the best part, he is a booming long kick. Nothing better than having a CHF who can kick a long way and instead of having to center it when he's outside 50, can just go back and slot it. Henderson and Waite's range is about 50, any further and they are dropping them short or missing. When Watson is mature he'll be able to kick them from 55 maybe 60 which is what you want in a CHF. It's a great way to combat the flood and open things up.

 

[BlueTongue]

You need to go and look at the tapes of Josh Kennedy when he played with us, and his first year or so at the WCE. Fot that matter, look at tapes of Roughead as well.

For their first few years, until they got confidence, they were all similar to Henderson ATM. Make great space and get to the right spot, but drop the ball. Confidence.

So would you have banished Kennedy to the two's? Had he and Roughy down back (remember the Hawks did play Roughy at CHB for some time while he got his confidence).

This stint down back for Lachie is great. Fans are appplauding his efforts rather than giving the Bronx cheer, despite his performace at the end of last year where he showed why he'll be a CHF for us.

Hopefully he has an uninterrupted pre-season, and if Bower is still with us and fit I'd like to see:

B: Joseph Jamison Laidler
HB: Yarren Bower/Watson Duigan

HF: Walker Henderson Gibbs/other resting or rotating mid
FF: Betts Waite/Setanta Garlett

I think Watson and Bower will be fighting for the same position next year, and with Bowers fitness, I know which way I'm leaning.

I mentioned this earlier in the year, but I'd be looking at Bower seriously as trade bait.

Couldn't agree more. Bower is too good to be happy being a depth player and Watson has too much potential for us to let go. Bower & pick to Freo for Silvagni?

 

[Bluebear]

even Hurley brushed him off in the last two games against them.

Hurley beat him on the lead, and turned him a couple of times. I thought Hendersons body work, not only against Hurley, bet Petrie, Riewoldt (both N and J) has been outstanding, and certainly not "weak". Keep in mind......make him "stronger" or bulk him up and you lose pace.

Yeah I remember Kennedy well. He wasn't too bad early on, we kicked it to his feet a lot and rarely to his advantage I remember.

Pfft......yeah that's it. He never fluffed marks that he had got out on the lead, with it laced out to his face........never dropped those, just the "poor delivery" and he was always great body on body as he is now. Must be my memory that is failing........could I be arsed bumping a thread or two? Yeah nah.

I think Bower will be asked to trim down and train extremely hard and become more of a runnning agile type who plays on smaller opponants but can still play on talls obviously. I think we have tried to build him up as a CHB and that may have caused injury problems. Wouldn't suprise me if we have him as a 3rd tall and have him playing a Fletcher/Scarlett/Harley type role next season. Either that or trade him for someone good.

Scarlett plays FB. Jammo is the comparison you are looking for.

Oh, and if EMU "trims down" much more the umps will signal a behind if the ball hits him.

I wouldn't expect Watson to be a world beater next year as he will be still only a teenager I think. Really want to see his endurance improve and really want to see him learn to play in other positions. I think he should be developed as a forward as he has all the attributes and very little of the know how. Which he can learn, this is why we aquired so many high profile coaches and developement coaches. Watson is the ideal fit for a modern CHF as he is very tall, strong, will be powerful and the best part, he is a booming long kick.

So let me get this straight.

Watson is tall and strong and despite not having been able to stand toe to toe with Cloke or Dawes, and not being a forward, should be able to "pick it up" with a little coaching............

BUT

......Henderson who has stood next to the biggest and best and squared contest strength wise, and who IS a forward (watch his running patterns when he plays up there) isn't strong enough to play forward.

Its finals......we won......you're excited........but you really should use the preview post function. Say it out loud if it helps.

 

[CaptainCharisma]

Why is Henderson strong enough to take forwards, but not backmen?

Cloke ragdolled him this year.

It's similar to the bullshit argument that Lachie's too slow to play forward, yet he is fast enough and strong enough to play back and chase opponents. And his hands must be poor after he has shown that eh can read the play and mark the opposition's inside fifties going back with the flight.

Henderson is a lot bigger than Thornton who has played well as a marking forward.

Lachie can and will go forward down the track.

Gotta agree with you TG.. I think Henderson's problems up forward related to his confidence/form rather than skills or athleticism.

Thornton and O'hAilpin are just filling the void for a Waite/Henderson forward combination in 2 years time with Jamison/Watson at the other end.

Was just interested in other posters opinion

 

[Bluebear]

Thornton and O'hAilpin are just filling the void for a Waite/Henderson forward combination in 2 years time with Jamison/Watson at the other end.

Was just interested in other posters opinion

I think given the age of Thornton, O'hAilpin and Waite, we should be giving thought to who will partner Hendo as well.

Other than Scotty, these guys are the oldest on the list. Shore up their replacements (Lucas will have Scotties spot in a year or so) and we are set for some time.

 

[CaptainCharisma]

I think given the age of Thornton, O'hAilpin and Waite, we should be giving thought to who will partner Hendo as well.

Other than Scotty, these guys are the oldest on the list. Shore up their replacements (Lucas will have Scotties spot in a year or so) and we are set for some time.

Unfortunately don't get the time to watch the young blokes at the 'Ants on weekends as I have my own football commitments on a Saturday arvo so I'm not sure how the potential KPF guys are travelling such as Casboult, Mitchell etc.

I heard Levi kicked 5 last week but unsure of overall development side of things, but yeah you are right. If none of those guys are backed in to replace Waite and Thornton after at most 3-4 years they have left I would say we would be looking into drafting/trading for another KPF or two in the next couple years.

Hopefully that 2 years is all we need with Juddy hitting 29 by then hopefully it is our big crack at #17

EDIT - I also have high hopes for Lucas slotting in for Scotland, gets me excited at what this kid could become if everything works in his favour!

 

[laminex]

Henderson ATM.

You dirty sod, how do you even know if he does that?

 

[Silvagnis]

Bower needs to trim down?

That's the funny thing I've read on here.

 

[The_Wookie]

I think after 10 years of screwing around defensively we finally have a settled back group. the only question mark being whether joseph is a permanent pocket or a "horses for courses" type tagger. We spent almost 3/4 of a season looking for that CHB type - to the point where many were looking forward to kreuzer going down there - and so I believe for the good of the team as it stands, Henderson will be back for a while.

 

[Florimo]

Hendo has been outstanding the last month or so, as a few said on the weekend , he hasnt been beaten in a month. I thought he would only be back there as a stop gap for us, but he is playing too good to move. Permanent CHB, going forward to pinch hit on occasion eg like Goddard

Watson needs to go Glen Jackovich in the gym (for those that remember how fast he bulked up) + improve his tank. Next year get a lot of games into him and the following year he will be ready.