If you follow football and have spent any time on social media then you would no doubt have seen the vitriol and abuse directed towards Melbourne utility Jack Watts over the years, by both Demons supporters and the opposition.
During this period Melbourne has generally been a poorly performed club, but a certain amount of expectation goes along with being a number one draft pick, expectation Watts has not lived up to.
It certainly doesn’t help that Nic Naitanui was taken at pick two in the same draft as Watts and is often used as a comparison.
At 24 years of age and with 115 games at AFL level, Watts should still have his best football ahead of him. But his output during this time has been mixed.
In season 2015 Watts played 20 games averaging around 16 disposals and five marks per game. His best position has still not been found, having spent time all over the ground without being in a settled position, whether it was being unaccountable in the back half, spending time in the midfield, or up forward as a marking target.
Before the trade period this year there was some discussion that Melbourne would look to shop Watts around. Being dropped for the final game of the year against Greater Western Sydney was certainly not ideal timing.
But what would Watts’ trade value be? Melbourne would be cutting their losses and not getting back anything near pick one, but would a second-round draft pick be worth taking and moving on for the Dees?
Well the trade period is finished and Watts has remained a Demon, however he is out of contract at the end of 2016. He has the most important year of his career coming up.
Jack Watts publicly acknowledged that he needs to work on aspects of his game after the season, saying on AFL.com, “I see a really strong year next year for the Dees and I’d love to be a part of it and I’ve got things I need to improve on to keep up.
“I’ll go away in the off-season and work on those things and hopefully have a really good year.”
The defensive side of the game is one of the main knocks on Watts, and questions on his competitiveness due his laconic nature. Watts has generally handled himself well in the media and not hidden from the fact he needs to improve on his deficiencies.
Despite the public ridicule there is obvious talent there. It would be a good football story if Watts can prove the doubters wrong.
Callum
Guest
24 is not young for an AFL footballer, it's the average age. I think the best thing Melbourne could do for Watts is to go back to basics. As the article points out, he was drafted as a key position forward. So, I'd be telling Jack to get on the protein shakes and spend his summer in the gym. Get an extra 10kg on to his lanky frame, then give him a full season playing as a key position forward. If he is still floundering at season's end, it's time to trade him.
berrlins
Roar Pro
Jack Watts will never be as good as a number one should be but he's played consistently in the AFL for several years, he has input but just fades out of games a little too much. should he go to a new club with no pressure and be put at half forward, fair chance he'll blossom a little more but at the moment I think he and Melbourne are at a crossroads and a parting of ways could possibly happen.
Steve mcglashan
Guest
I think jack watts time at melbourne is up and I think both club and player know it. I'd be very surprised if he's still there after next year. He could benefit from a fresh start with a club willing to trade a late 2nd rounder or early 3rd round pick for him. He does have talent but does he want it enough? Time will tell I guess
trenerry boy
Roar Rookie
Watts is a footballer with tremendous skills, beautiful kick but he is not that aggressive or willing to commit his body as much as other players, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that BTW, just the way he is. I would consider playing him across the half back line similar to Jasper Pittard Aussie Rules can be a very tough game to play, sometimes physical presence or commitment can overcome skills, to be part of a good side your team needs both overall, but to be a champion player you need both.
Don Freo
Guest
I like this. I suspect this "lack of appetite for a contest" might actually be more of a social media impression than an actual reality. He would add a nice little polish to Freo's forward line but I like that he has chosen to stay at Melbourne. I think he is well and truly better than average.
rob
Guest
Last year of his contract play him where he was drafted to play - forward. His man will leave him often enough to help cover Hogan that there will be opportunties everywhere up there for him. What he lacks in desire or appitite for the contest he makes up for with silky skills and great decision making - put him up forward and let him play to his strengths
Qlder
Guest
Knoxy - I think you have nailed it. " I can’t help but think that if he had been drafted to a club with a better culture and environment, he might have developed better with less pressure on his shoulders." Watts was put in a hopeless position by his club, one which has a very ordinary record in recent years of player development. There are a more than a few knockers commenting on Watts here, but I reckon he has about 115 more games up his sleeve than all those 'armchair experts' combined.
Knoxy
Guest
I feel bad for Jack Watts. It's not his fault he was drafted to a club with such an appallling culture. From the moment he arrived at that place he was touted as being the one and only saviour of Melbourne FC. The amount of hype surrounding this kid before he had even played a game was ridiculous. Yes, his form for the most part has been disappointing however I can't help but think that if he had been drafted to a club with a better culture and environment, he might have developed better with less pressure on his shoulders.
Typical Bludging Liberal
Guest
Dud.
AJ
Guest
Agreed Don. Not often i will Agree with a Freo supporter but Jack has been smashed from pillar to post since debut pretty much. Doesn't deserve it and hopefully he has an excellent year next year.
Don Freo
Guest
Poor Jack. I don't know what it is in sports fans that make them gather in a group and go at one person like this. It is horrible and characterizes the worst thing that sport brings to Australians. It puts ferals at the top of the tree for the moment they hit the keyboard. Sport usually brings out the best of so much in Australia but when the brainless mob smell blood and hope someone will think they are smart, players like Jack Watts become victims. He is criticized for just playing the game. I understand criticism for an unfair act or attitude...but not for being who you are. I hate that. I hope he blitzes it.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
"Can Jack Watts prove the doubters wrong in 2016?" No. To put it bluntly, the boy is useless!
Paul D
Roar Guru
Can't see him proving people wrong while he stays at Melbourne. His loyalty is commendable, but you would think he would benefit greatly from a fresh start and a change of scenery.
Michael
Guest
I'm glad Melbourne didn't trade him. Knowing their luck he would go to another team and start playing brilliant footy! But with all the constant injuries to Dawes, I agree with others Watts needs to be a permanent forward.
Wilson
Roar Guru
I think your thinking is right Josh, he has had years to prove that he is a good player. The only advantage that he has going for him is his age, at 24 he still has time to prove himself but his time is starting to run out
TomC
Roar Guru
He has been reasonably effective as a floating half back flanker, when he's played there. Of course, that's probably one of the easier roles to play reasonably well in footy. It's not a nice thing to say, but he often seems to just lose concentration and even interest during games. Aussie rules is very unforgiving in that way.
Josh
Expert
I think if he was going to prove his doubters wrong, he would've done it already.
Mitch
Guest
I still think if he wasn't pick 1 he wouldn't get hounded as much as he does. He has played some games where he has piped in with 3 or 4 goals. If he plays as a full time forward I reckon he will do well.
Bob GOOCH
Guest
Watts doesn't have what it takes to be an AFL footballer. At Melbourne he is known as ' sheep dog ' since he stands outside the pack and constantly runs around it. Most MFC members would like to see him go I suspect, but if he is to remain the only position for him is up forward where he must be instructed to lead take contested marks and kick goals. I won't be holding my breath though and reckon we should pick up another tall forward in the draft in anticipation of Watts being an abject failure (again,still)
Ian
Guest
No he won't prove people wrong. He doesn't have the drive to be a top level player. Granted he hasn't had the best environment to work in, but he just doesnt work hard enough.