Watts a defender: Neeld

[The Dr]

Not sure if this is mentioned elsewhere, so if it is, mods please move/merge.

But interesting to see Mark Neeld label Watts a defender, and plans to play him there next year.

"We see Jack as that defender - that’s where he played the majority of the year,” he said. “We see Jack as forming part of the back six.”

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/149843/default.aspx

I like this. Gives Watts a clear picture of what Neeld's plans are rather than being uncertain of his role for next season. We need his foot skills coming out of the backline, while it's obvious Jack has played his best, most impactful footy down back.

 

[dee64]

If Neeld had of said this at the start of last season, I would have been furious. But after what we saw this year, Watts can utilise his assets far better in the backline than as a key forward. I think that Neeld sees him as an ideal replacement for Rivers. Watts will provide greater run and creative disposal, whereas Rivers is better as a 3rd man up in the contest.

 

[Watt a gun!]

For the short term settling him in one position is definitely a wise thing to do. He does have plenty to offer down back with his intercept marking, speed and kicking skills. All things we currently lack in the back half.

 

[DeeWong6996]

Our backline is becoming excessively tall. I know they can all play small to some extent, but this would surely be exploited by opposition teams.

McDonald, Frawley, Rivers, Garland and Watts. Even without Rivers 4 talls is quite unique.

 

[RedLegs#5]

Could be a bit of a Neitz story here. Play him down back for the next couple of years, let him put on some more size, then see how he goes as a forward. What I'm most glad about is that Neeld has stated a few times that Watts was not handled properly at the beginning of his career (and that he's working on fixing that).

 

[Eth]

Our backline is becoming excessively tall. I know they can all play small to some extent, but this would surely be exploited by opposition teams.

McDonald, Frawley, Rivers, Garland and Watts. Even without Rivers 4 talls is quite unique.

Assuming Rivers goes, which I think he will.

McDonald and Frawley take the two talls. Garland takes a medium/small as he's started to do more frequently. Watts takes a medium or a second key forward if there's a resting ruck and floats off.

We'll be right.

 

[ThePuppetMaster]

I get the thinking, but I still think he should be given some midfield time as well.

If we can get a classy 6'5" midfielder running through I would be so happy.

 

[DeeWong6996]

Assuming Rivers goes, which I think he will.

McDonald and Frawley take the two talls. Garland takes a medium/small as he's started to do more frequently. Watts takes a medium or a second key forward if there's a resting ruck and floats off.

We'll be right.

Although the above doesn't sound too bad, 4-5 190cm+ players in the back half still seems a little bit dangerous if you ask me. If the ball hits the deck, you'd be praying that a tackle could be laid. I still think 3 is perfect medium with McDonald, Frawley and one of Rivers/Garland/Watts.

 

[Eth]

Although the above doesn't sound too bad, 4-5 190cm+ players in the back half still seems a little bit dangerous if you ask me. If the ball hits the deck, you'd be praying that a tackle could be laid. I still think 3 is perfect medium with McDonald, Frawley and one of Rivers/Garland/Watts.

Garland, Watts and to a lesser extent Frawley are perfectly capable below their knees.

 

[DeeWong6996]

Completely irrelevant but I am quietly confident Rivers will stay. Geelong only have two days to secure both McIntosh and Rivers whilst moving on one of Gillies/Brown (for a senior spot).

 

[Bluelegs]

From what I saw this year he has the potential to be a Brendon Goddard type player. I'm happy with that.

 

[Andy_Mac]

We drafted a sheep dog at one.

That said, he's played his best football as that loose man zoning off and packing up the loose ball. He is also about the only bloke back there who I trust by foot!!

 

[demon_dynasty13]

Should be playing as an outside midfielder to complement Jones/Viney/Trengove/Grimes.

Why waste him in the backline?

 

[DeeWong6996]

Should be playing as an outside midfielder to complement Jones/Viney/Trengove/Grimes.

Why waste him in the backline?

A 196cm midfielder would be great but he is still quite slim and I'm not sure how well he would cope.

 

[demon_dynasty13]

A 196cm midfielder would be great but he is still quite slim and I'm not sure how well he would cope.

Hes not that thin.

Hes twice the size of Stephen Hill who is a quality outside mid.

 

[tynanshinin]

Our backline is becoming excessively tall. I know they can all play small to some extent, but this would surely be exploited by opposition teams.

McDonald, Frawley, Rivers, Garland and Watts. Even without Rivers 4 talls is quite unique.

Honestly i'm 50/50 over garlands worth... maybe its just because he has no left foot or that I'd rather tynan or Nicho played on the players he generally gets

 

[Tulip]

Our backline is becoming excessively tall. I know they can all play small to some extent, but this would surely be exploited by opposition teams.

McDonald, Frawley, Rivers, Garland and Watts. Even without Rivers 4 talls is quite unique.

This is why I don't mind Rivers leaving, deep down.

 

[LeverPuller]

What's a defender?

Backman, you know, stop the opposition from kicking goals.

Oh wait...

 

[Bluelegs]

What's a defender?

Backman, you know, stop the opposition from kicking goals.

Oh wait...

Who's on first?

 

[CowboyFromHell]

I get the thinking, but I still think he should be given some midfield time as well.

If we can get a classy 6'5" midfielder running through I would be so happy.

I reckon he will - Neeld might want him as a defender but I can still see him running up and down the wings.

For the record I like the move, but it doesn't mean he will stay there all year. Will help his growth as a player.

 

[raven echo]

He's our best user of the ball in our team IMO, so I'm more than happy for him to continue playing down back in that Goddard style "quarterback" role

 

[LeverPuller]

Who's on first?

???

 

[CowboyFromHell]

???

I take it you've never seen Abbott and Costello.... ?

 

[Captain Jack]

He's our best user of the ball in our team IMO, so I'm more than happy for him to continue playing down back in that Goddard style "quarterback" role

Agree. Also could use some of the mongrel and aggression that Goddard shows... can do without the arrogance though.

 

[LeverPuller]

I take it you've never seen Abbott and Costello.... ?

Goddamn, it's been a long day when I miss a reference like that.