Lay off Watts says Roos

[Ricochet]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-08-12/lay-off-watts-says-roos

MELBOURNE coach Paul Roos has moved to defend Jack Watts after club great David Schwarz said the Demons should trade their No. 1 draft pick from 2008.

Schwarz said on Monday that Watts was "treading water" at Melbourne and described his sixth year in the AFL as "underwhelming".

Watts signed a new three-year deal to remain at Melbourne late last year after knocking back offers from potential suitors, including Carlton.

Roos said Watts was a victim of the lofty expectations set for high draft picks.

"The thing with Jack is that it's surprising how much focus is on him," the Demons coach said on Tuesday morning.

"We've seen it with Nic Naitanui this year, and Bryce Gibbs and Matty Kreuzer have had that same scrutiny.

"It just comes with the territory really. Particularly if you're a No.1 draft pick - you never get left alone to play your game and work on your craft."

Schwarz was calculated in his assessment Watts' career after 92 games in six seasons.

"I think it's time Melbourne traded Jack Watts. I've been a huge fan of Jack, but of late (I've) seen the same old things from Jack: the urgency's not there, the lack of mongrel, the lack of endeavour, the lack of willing to be the centre of attention,

[Big Mac]

If we got rid of him we would probably go back to blaming Neeld for everything

[Purple 77]

I'm getting sick of defending Watts, but I'm not getting sick of Watts,

Schwarz was calculated in his assessment Watts' career after 92 games in six seasons.

"I think it's time Melbourne traded Jack Watts. I've been a huge fan of Jack, but of late (I've) seen the same old things from Jack: the urgency's not there, the lack of mongrel, the lack of endeavour, the lack of willing to be the centre of attention,

All of those things are true. But what people don't talk about is his clean disposal, great decision making and set shot for goal.

So what if he isn't a contested player, he can still be a damn good player being otherwise. Don't get me wrong, I would love, LOVE, to see those things from him, but he just cops way too much flack.

[SydneyRox]

Roos - "yeah, lay off watts we need him to have as much currency as possible for when we trade him this year!!"