Debuted in 2011, has only managed 19 games during this time and is the only player remaining on our list from the 2010 draft.
Big booming kick, big frame (& head) but appears to lack confidence and self-belief.
The question is, what does 2015 hold for Matty Watson ??
With Jones & Jaksch coming to the club, what position is there for him to make his own ??
Is this really going to be a 'boom or bust' season for him ??
It will be the same thing as always. Plays crap seconds football and robs himself of the chance to play seniors where he has shown he could possibly cut the mustard.
Give him the first couple of games in the role he played in the last game and see how he goes.
Let the new guys take it off him.
http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pc-west-coast-eagles--jack-darling
Don't disagree with you there Lods but is Malthouse really going to leave Jones out of the team to fit Watson in ??
It will be the same thing as always. Plays crap seconds football and robs himself of the chance to play seniors where he has shown he could possibly cut the mustard.
Is it that he plays crap seconds footy or that he just does nothing to stand out in the seconds? He doesn't dominate when he plays at that level, he just pretty much serves up the same standard of performance as he does in the ones. In the seconds, that isn't good enough because good players are expected to dominate but in the ones, it's okay because it's serviceable.
Maybe he's just a guy that literally only has one gear and will dish up the same performance playing at AFL level as he would playing in the EFL 4th division? :P
Don't disagree with you there Lods but is Malthouse really going to leave Jones out of the team to fit Watson in ??
http://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_player_compare?tid1=4&pid1=3597&tid2=4&pid2=3138&type=A&fid1=C&fid2=C
We're not talking chalk and cheese...they're pretty much of a muchness at this stage.
I think back to Malthouse's comments regarding Watson in that last game.
He was full of praise and basically was saying things like one of Matthew's biggest problems is his own self-belief.
I think he'd probably see him as a bit of a challenge and persevere with him in that role...at least short term.
Watsons last game against essendon was his best
if he does not make a significant improvement by end of 2015 he will be traded
Watsons last game against essendon was his best
if he does not make a significant improvement by end of 2015 he will be traded
The club will announce that he will be delisted if he's not traded, there will be little interest from other clubs, he will be delisted and then signed up by someone as a de-listed free agent. He will then go on to be a champion of that club! ::)
He is no good down back and with Jaksch in and the club having to justify taking the latter and trading pick 7 I can see Watson only poistion as down forward....problem being with Jones, Casboult and Henderson ahead of him IMO he will be struggling for senior game time if we dont get injuries..
Given all that I reckon he will be trade material in 2015 and probably get some games at the end of the year to fatten up his trade price....
He is no good down back and with Jaksch in and the club having to justify taking the latter and trading pick 7 I can see Watson only poistion as down forward....problem being with Jones, Casboult and Henderson ahead of him IMO he will be struggling for senior game time if we dont get injuries..
Given all that I reckon he will be trade material in 2015 and probably get some games at the end of the year to fatten up his trade price....
Completely agree with most of that, however there's still a fair bit of value in Matthew Watson as a depth player given he can play both ends of the ground and do it quite well. We are Carlton, there is no way in hell we make it through a whole season without suffering significant injuries to key position players. Every year we seem to end up playing bunches of games where guys Simon White's size end up having to hold down key position spots.
Having a Matthew Watson who can slot in at either end is invaluable cover, I'd suggest he'll end up playing 10-15 games simply as a result of that. If he fires and cements his spot during those games then I'll be thrilled and I'm sure everyone else will be too. He's a big lump of a kid with a truly outstanding hoof on him. We haven't had a key forward capable of kicking the goals Watson would be capable of since Fev.
Watto is probably a bit like Meat... a confidence player, perhaps even Rowey.
If MM and his assistants can raise the confidence level of Meat and Rowey like they did, then you'd want to give Watto a good few senior gigs in a row to see if this cat can not only cut the mustard but continue to improve. BUT... Meat always had a great pair of hands and could do useful ruck stuff around the ground at seconds level. Rowe always showed he could hold down a key position but opportunity and knacker cancer robbed him of the opportunity to develop any continuity.
Then there's the issue of speed over the grass. Meat and Rowey have always been very good for tall blokes at getting quickly over the paddock. Watto? Maybe he'll grow some more legs over summer and really tear it up next year?
I reckon Watson is a better option as a forward; he just doesn't seem to have the anticipation and reflexes to shut down an opponent. As a forward, he has more say in where the ball will be headed. That's not to say that he won't develop as a defender by playing as a forward.
Based on his form at the end of the season, he and Jones would have to be neck and neck as far as selection goes. Watson probably has a slight edge because he can play as a defender if necessary, and Malthouse prefers versatile players. It will be interesting to watch both of them in the pre-season as at least one career may be hanging on cementing a spot in the 22.
I think that it's good that we have two players competing for a spot, not that I'm convinced that either of them will be entirely successful. Hopefully my doubts will be disproved and at least one of them will go on to have a long and productive career with us.
If Watson can't cement a spot in the 22, his career with us will be over and he may not attract much attention from other clubs. Perhaps a club with a greater focus on development will give him a chance but I can't see a huge trade dividend for us.
Of course, if Watson does become a regular forward, what will that mean for Jones? I don't think he will displace Casboult as he isn't a competent back up ruckman.
i think watson has to line at FF rd1 give him first opportunity and let our new guys work hard to prove why they should be chosen.
I don't get the fev <-> watto comparisons. Apart from the girth of their heads that is where the similarities start and end.
I would love him to make it but just don't see a position for him....happy to be proven wrong
I don't get the fev <-> watto comparisons. Apart from the girth of their heads that is where the similarities start and end.
I would love him to make it but just don't see a position for him....happy to be proven wrong
I he can earn a spot in the FWD line this year it will be a miracle.
Clearly up against it, but might survive simply because we have so few other options. By my reckoning we are one key forward short, and Jamison and Rowe are not getting any younger. He would want to have a decent 2015, because 2016 will be make or break.
Mind you, we cant afford to wait so long for players to come on. Say he does finally sort it all out and become a good key position player, free agency is starting to come into the equation, and another club can simply grab him for more than we are willing to pay and away he goes.
i think watson has to line at FF rd1 give him first opportunity and let our new guys work hard to prove why they should be chosen.
Dont think they gave Jones a 3 year deal to have Watson start ahead of him and I reckon its Watson who probably has to prove his worth and force his way in.
Of course if the NB's are crape again like they were last season then its going to be hard for Watson to get decent supply and enough opportunities...and he may be forced down back with Giles looking out for an extend period and only White down back as a taller defender
I'd like to see him get a decent go and be fully tested but I think unless we get a lot of injuries that things might work against him......Jones and Jaksch arriving might have him talking to other clubs sooner than later IMO...
Watson will battle with Jones for the last spot. If he plays like he did last game and his last few up forward for the NBs then he'll play.
Watson will battle with Jones for the last spot. If he plays like he did last game and his last few up forward for the NBs then he'll play.
I agree, we shouldn't write him off just yet. He showed promise as a fwd in that last game so Jones better be on his game every week.
Watson will battle with Jones for the last spot. If he plays like he did last game and his last few up forward for the NBs then he'll play.
I agree, we shouldn't write him off just yet. He showed promise as a fwd in that last game so Jones better be on his game every week.
I think the loser from this situation won't be either Watson or Jones, some here may not be happy!
Watson will battle with Jones for the last spot. If he plays like he did last game and his last few up forward for the NBs then he'll play.
I agree, we shouldn't write him off just yet. He showed promise as a fwd in that last game so Jones better be on his game every week.
I think the loser from this situation won't be either Watson or Jones, some here may not be happy!
Casboult will play as he's the only one of the three who'll ruck.
Watson has a lot of upside, if he comes out of his shell he will go past many players on the list.
Watson can clunk marks as good as anyone we have, kicks at goal better than most, he field kicks better than even some of our mids, has a cool head in defence, is quick thinking(Given he is not quick moving!), better body on body than most, uses the ball smarter than most of the guys his own size and is big enough to relieve in the ruck.
He needs is to get his head sorted out, probably needs to work a little harder on endurance, and a couple more games at the highest level like that last one might be all it takes to light his fuse!
Agree with nearly all however, he has absolutely no desperation in his game, he has no real attack on the ball.
Its like when he was a kid because he was bigger and stronger than most he could get away with doing little work and be successful, and has carried this through to AFL level which is clearly not good enough.
Agree with nearly all however, he has absolutely no desperation in his game, he has no real attack on the ball.
That last game suggests otherwise though.
Late last season I think was the first time Watson started to look a bit harder, less puppy fat more muscle, not just that game but in the 2s as well!
Didn't take a backwards step against the Scum either!
I don't see Watson staying at the club long term.
At best he is depth for our forward line, he may get 10-15 games due to poor form or injury to others.
20 goals for the season would be a win. if he can do that and consistently kick multiple goals in the 2nds when he is down there, I would be looking to trade him at the end of next year.
At worst he will lose all confidence and do nothing all year and we will end up delisting him.
He's not a first pick atm but that could certainly change next year, depending on injuries and the form of others. It's vital for him personally to get selection early on and then perform well to hold his spot. If others establish themselves then he may struggle as I don't think he would shine in the NBs.
I agree he is not in our starting line up at present, with Jacksh and Jones being added to the team you would have to assume this. However his last game was very good. it wasn't just that he kicked four goals, it was how he presented himself and took marks across the half forward line that made me excited by him. The question is can he do this on a consistent basis and we will only know this at the end of the year. If he plays like that it will be the other guys who will be struggling for a game. I hope that this is the case. If not he is porbably on the list of players who won't be playing for CFC in 2016.
I agree he is not in our starting line up at present, with Jacksh and Jones being added to the team you would have to assume this. However his last game was very good. it wasn't just that he kicked four goals, it was how he presented himself and took marks across the half forward line that made me excited by him. The question is can he do this on a consistent basis and we will only know this at the end of the year. If he plays like that it will be the other guys who will be struggling for a game. I hope that this is the case. If not he is porbably on the list of players who won't be playing for CFC in 2016.
I do not expect him to be on the playing list in 2016. He has had 1 good game against an undersized opponent. I hope I am wrong but I doubt it. He is slow and has shown little against guys his size. I have more hope that the new boys will make it.
I'll actually be disappointed if they don't start with him.
He has the position at the moment and played well his last game....it's for others to displace him.
I'll actually be disappointed if they don't start with him.
He has the position at the moment and played well his last game....it's for others to displace him.
That is a good fair call...
I'll actually be disappointed if they don't start with him.
He has the position at the moment and played well his last game....it's for others to displace him.
Possibly, it depends on what you mean by "start". He still has to show a good attitude and perform well during the pre-season. If not, he should by no means start round 1.
I'll actually be disappointed if they don't start with him.
He has the position at the moment and played well his last game....it's for others to displace him.
That is a good fair call...
Pretty sure it will depend on how pre-season goes as to who gets the starting spot. Both training and games. That is the fairest way to do it.
In the NFL they refer to it a 'battle'. Incoming guys, traded for and drafted have battles with the existing guys. Unless you are a seasoned veteran, you have to battle it out for your position. Competition brings out the best in players.
It'd be unfair on Jones who is training 6 days a week months before he needs to be to not even get a look-in when we traded for him.
Pretty sure it will depend on how pre-season goes as to who gets the starting spot. Both training and games. That is the fairest way to do it.
Yes, no-one should be guaranteed a spot and the best performing players in the pre-season should be selected. If that is Watson, Jones or someone else, so be it.
Yep....because pre-season form is always a good indicator of how players will go in the regular season ::) ;D
However Watson often goes well pre-season....even in defence.
So let me clarify...I hope they start the pre-season with Watson in the position he occupied in the last game of the year.
Jones may turn out to be the best forward since Fevola but at the moment, on the evidence, he is not vastly superior to Watson....let him earn his place.
Where Watson lets himself down is his defensive pressure. If the ball is out of arm's reach he just walks around looking lost.
This is where Jones is miles ahead of him.
Yep
Look, I'm not a huge Matthew Watson fan.
...and if I was to have a guess I'd suspect Jones will probably go past him.
but call me sentimental...
I just feel the kid's struggled to find his place and we all know the forward position is really his last opportunity.
I'd like to see him given a crack at it.
If he loses it then there's no coming back
I'd rather have two contenders battling for a position than one guaranteed of a walk up start.
Even if one gets the nod for round one, the other one will be breathing down his neck, and that's got to be good for team.
Neither may make it the end but at least we've got two blokes with the tools to do the job.
I'd rather have two contenders battling for a position than one guaranteed of a walk up start.
Even if one gets the nod for round one, the other one will be breathing down his neck, and that's got to be good for team.
Neither may make it the end but at least we've got two blokes with the tools to do the job.
No problem at all with them battling for positions.
Training and pre-season aren't always a great indicator of how a player will go under AFL match conditions though.
...and if Watson doesn't start we all know his chances of breaking into the side are slim.
I hope you're not suggesting that preference will be given to the bloke brought in by the current brainstrust Lods ;)
I'm afraid Watson would be lucky to be still on the list in 2016. People are reading way too much into the rd 23 game. He is a slow dumb footballer who is too small to play KPF. His one attribute is his kicking. I'd love the kid to prove me wrong.
I'm afraid Watson would be lucky to be still on the list in 2016. People are reading way too much into the rd 23 game. He is a slow dumb footballer who is too small to play KPF. His one attribute is his kicking. I'd love the kid to prove me wrong.
Too small to play KPF? He is 195cm and 100kg and Jones is 197cm and 97kg.
Watson is 18 months younger than Jones but their stats are remarkably similar. We're pinning our hopes on a new bloke who hasn't shown much apart from a bag in the VFL grand final while writing off another bloke who hasn't had the same opportunities.
I'm not confident that either of them will be the answer, but I'm hoping like hell that one or both of them will bag 40-50 goals next season.
I'm afraid Watson would be lucky to be still on the list in 2016. People are reading way too much into the rd 23 game. He is a slow dumb footballer who is too small to play KPF. His one attribute is his kicking. I'd love the kid to prove me wrong.
He's a huge boy, guessing you haven't looked at his physical stats.
His R23 game was identical to his last few games previous in the NBs, the reason he got his chance. He looked like he belonged there much more.
I'm afraid Watson would be lucky to be still on the list in 2016. People are reading way too much into the rd 23 game. He is a slow dumb footballer who is too small to play KPF. His one attribute is his kicking. I'd love the kid to prove me wrong.
WTF???
I hope you're not suggesting that preference will be given to the bloke brought in by the current brainstrust Lods ;)
That's what I'm 'afeared' of... ;)
I hope you're not suggesting that preference will be given to the bloke brought in by the current brainstrust Lods ;)
That's what I'm 'afeared' of... ;)
That would be one shallow way of justifying your existence, and not in the best interests of the team!
If the Board detect or even suspect such behaviour, heads should roll down Lygon St!
We are Carlton, we are about premierships, not self-preservation!
But in fairness to Lods suspicions, I get the feeling this sort of thing has happened before, especially at the NB level!
I hope you're not suggesting that preference will be given to the bloke brought in by the current brainstrust Lods ;)
That's what I'm 'afeared' of... ;)
That would be one shallow way of justifying your existence, and not in the best interests of the team!
If the Board detect or even suspect such behaviour, heads should roll down Lygon St!
We are Carlton, we are about premierships, not self-preservation!
But in fairness to Lods suspicions, I get the feeling this sort of thing has happened before, especially at the NB level!
Do do do....
(http://images.theage.com.au/2013/11/13/4920882/art-thomas-620x349.jpg)
That sign looks like it's for the car park but there's a team sheet it's pinning down :P