Watts a defender: Neeld

[CowboyFromHell]

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

I think you need a lie down mate...

 

[raven echo]

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

And the petulance

 

[Logger]

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.

Then again, Neeld did say he was recruited as a forward, trained as a forward and would play forward all season in March or something. For the record, I don't mind where he or any other plays, so long as the team is better with them playing in that position as opposed to someone else then they get my tick.

 

[Franky_024]

I honestly don't see him as a forward, I think he reads opposition play better than creating space and leading.

Like others have said already, his ability to read the game is improving. Plus he's a good player to have the ball running out of the backline, very accurate kick. I think his one on one work needs a bit of work though

 

[RandB]

Any announcement that puts to bed the "why isn't Watts playing up forward" rants we would have seen on the board next year is a good announcement.

Hopefully the muppets in the media take it on board too.

 

[Captain Jack]

Any announcement that puts to bed the "why isn't Watts playing up forward" rants we would have seen on the board next year is a good announcement.

Hopefully the muppets in the media take it on board too.

Might need a reminder from Neeld in about March next year. "HEY GUYS, remember what I said last year? Watts is not playing in the forward line, GET USED TO IT."

Maybe he was never meant to be a forward at AFL level anyway. A player of his natural ability can get by playing wherever he likes as a junior (I know Hannebery used to play CHF as a kid, purely because he was so much better than most of the other kids) but not everyone has the right attributes to translate that to being a smart, effective forward at the highest level.

 

[RandB]

Might need a reminder from Neeld in about March next year. "HEY GUYS, remember what I said last year? Watts is not playing in the forward line, GET USED TO IT."

Maybe he was never meant to be a forward at AFL level anyway. A player of his natural ability can get by playing wherever he likes as a junior (I know Hannebery used to play CHF as a kid, purely because he was so much better than most of the other kids) but not everyone has the right attributes to translate that to being a smart, effective forward at the highest level.

True.

The other thing that stood out to me was that up forward he wasn't allowed to be Jack Watts, his whole nature looked restricted. Down back he was let off the leash a bit as his attributes and reading of play was suited to the role Neeld was after. So the coach is the ultimate architect of a player's destiny.

 

[Wonaeamirri33]

Who's on first?

He certainly is.

 

[Viney]

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

Let's not forget it took Goddard many years to put that aggression in his game

Was timid for about the 1st 5 years of his career

 

[Praetorian]

fine for me, as long as he works hard on his 1 on 1 game. he got caught out quite a few times in that aspect, but otherwise was pretty good

 

[Dez!]

Might need a reminder from Neeld in about March next year. "HEY GUYS, remember what I said last year? Watts is not playing in the forward line, GET USED TO IT."

Maybe he was never meant to be a forward at AFL level anyway. A player of his natural ability can get by playing wherever he likes as a junior (I know Hannebery used to play CHF as a kid, purely because he was so much better than most of the other kids) but not everyone has the right attributes to translate that to being a smart, effective forward at the highest level.

How can you come to that conclusion though? He was given sweet f*** all of a chance to be the kind of forward he was envisioned to be. I'd be inclined to try him as a midfielder, good skills, good decision making and good speed.

 

[lose]

How can you come to that conclusion though? He was given sweet f*** all of a chance to be the kind of forward he was envisioned to be. I'd be inclined to try him as a midfielder, good skills, good decision making and good speed.

Agreed... Actually looks really comfortable in the midfield and has serious class and good agility to make it work.. is also very clean around the contest and is able to find space very easily...

 

[Marns]

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

 

[Klyntonius]

I don't have a problem with the backline looking a bit tall. Frawley and Garland have played on smalls with success in the past, Watts is clean off the deck and Strauss, Nicholson, Bartram etc give us some smaller balance as well. The backline looks pretty well setup I think.

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.

I hope not. Neitz was an All-Australian centre half back who had to go forward when our forwardline of Schwartz, Jakovich and Lyon went down with chronic injuries. If that happens again...

 

[markm106]

Watts would make a fine CHB if he can add size and strength. Reads the play well and a superb user of the ball.

 

[Tulip]

Still have a sneaky feeling he may be moved forward for a game and rip it up.

 

[Tulip]

Watts would make a fine CHB if he can add size and strength. Reads the play well and a superb user of the ball.

Except McDonald is better!

 

[The King!]

Sorry to intrude on your board. I am a watts fan, he was excellent at the SCG this year. Could he perhaps develop his tank and just roam wherever needed like goodes for us at his peak? Maybe start defence but work into the middle more, when i see him he seems a nice kick

 

[Viney]

Sorry to intrude on your board. I am a watts fan, he was excellent at the SCG this year. Could he perhaps develop his tank and just roam wherever needed like goodes for us at his peak? Maybe start defence but work into the middle more, when i see him he seems a nice kick

Watts already has the tank

 

[The King!]

Watts already has the tank

Then cool, how about pushing him around the ground more and getting the ball in his hand. If he led your inside 50s bet the forwards would be happy.

 

[Viney]

Then cool, how about pushing him around the ground more and getting the ball in his hand. If he led your inside 50s bet the forwards would be happy.

Personally I see this as 'his' role in the future

He is a great kick, an excellent athlete with a great tank, he also has incredible vision (i've seen him spot up some impossible targets)

Jack cops a lot of flack around the footballing world, but he's an exceptionally talented footballer

 

[CTHORANGE]

Personally I see this as 'his' role in the future

He is a great kick, an excellent athlete with a great tank, he also has incredible vision (i've seen him spot up some impossible targets)

Jack cops a lot of flack around the footballing world, but he's an exceptionally talented footballer

Yep and a lot of people don't notice all the smart things he does that don't equal a possessions, like a deft tap on the ball or a subtle nudge on an opponent to free up a team mate

 

[Captain Jack]

Yep and a lot of people don't notice all the smart things he does that don't equal a possessions, like a deft tap on the ball or a subtle nudge on an opponent to free up a team mate

Agree with you all, Watts is great in these respects, but he still needs to lift his ability in terms of contested possessions, tackles, and the 'hard' one-percenters to complement the 'flashy' (very effective though, don't get me wrong) little things he does. Once he gets to that level he will dominate.

 

[CTHORANGE]

Agree with you all, Watts is great in these respects, but he still needs to lift his ability in terms of contested possessions, tackles, and the 'hard' one-percenters to complement the 'flashy' (very effective though, don't get me wrong) little things he does. Once he gets to that level he will dominate.

Exactly right, must get some fight about him when the ball is in dispute

 

[Viney]

Exactly right, must get some fight about him when the ball is in dispute

People often spout off it can't be taught, but that's BS. It's about confidence and size (and the right coach)

Look at Goddard and Farren Ray, both changed their game in this regard dramatically