Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

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Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

July 14, 2013, 07:57:31 pm

Everyone was in raptures last night about Henderson going into attack and dominating. It gave the team someone to kick to in confidence because they new that he would make the lead, fight for the ball or take a strong mark. He was ably assisted by Rowe who whilst not being in the same league as Henderson, did play the CHF position better than anyone we've seen for some time.

In defence we had Jamison, who admittedly made some shocking errors, but he is a proven key position defender. He was ably assisted by MATHEW WATSON, that's right, the lad we took with our first pick in the 2010 National Draft at #18. He's a big kid too, 195cm & 100kg if you don't mind !!

I am one of many who is of the opinion that Watson won't make it and for a variety of reasons. He is quite slow, is not particularly strong overhead but his kicking is enough to bring back the old 'woof' cry (he is a left-footer like Christou too).

The thing is, if he was to really improve his game and warrant regular selection, it really straightens up our spine immeasurably. Now I'm not going to suggest that he should be gifted games between now & the end of the season to give him more confidence or the like, but what I do think may be a better option is for the people at our club to work on his fitness, body shape & overall agility. Whether we have the people at the club capable of doing this is actually a completely seperate & lengthy discussion on its own.

To me, Watson always looks like a young kid with a lot of 'puppy fat' on him, his body shape is not ideal for our game either. If you look at Karmicheal Hunt from the Suns, they have worked with him to reshape & remodel his body away from the typical NRL shaped player to one that works well in the AFL. Watson may benefit from the same sort of treatment !!

It would be a great waste (to me anyway) if we were to flick Watson before we put some intensive work into him to find out if he is the answer to our problems. I'm not saying that it is a 100% guaranteed winner idea, just a preference to give the guy one belting pre-season fitness campaign specifically designed to change him around.

If it doesn't work, then we could do what we wanted with him in the knowledge that we gave it our best shot.

Jamison
Watson
Judd
Henderson
Boyd

It's a spine that might test a few opposition teams.

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #1 – July 14, 2013, 08:04:55 pm

Quote from: TheSheik – on July 14, 2013, 07:57:31 pm

In defence we had Jamison, who admittedly made some shocking errors, but he is a proven key position defender. He was ably assisted by MATHEW WATSON, that's right, the lad we took with our first pick in the 2010 National Draft at #18. He's a big kid too, 195cm & 100kg if you don't mind !!

I am one of many who is of the opinion that Watson won't make it and for a variety of reasons. He is quite slow, is not particularly strong overhead but his kicking is enough to bring back the old 'woof' cry (he is a left-footer like Christou too).

The thing is, if he was to really improve his game and warrant regular selection, it really straightens up our spine immeasurably. Now I'm not going to suggest that he should be gifted games between now & the end of the season to give him more confidence or the like, but what I do think may be a better option is for the people at our club to work on his fitness, body shape & overall agility. Whether we have the people at the club capable of doing this is actually a completely seperate & lengthy discussion on its own.

To me, Watson always looks like a young kid with a lot of 'puppy fat' on him, his body shape is not ideal for our game either. If you look at Karmicheal Hunt from the Suns, they have worked with him to reshape & remodel his body away from the typical NRL shaped player to one that works well in the AFL. Watson may benefit from the same sort of treatment !!

It would be a great waste (to me anyway) if we were to flick Watson before we put some intensive work into him to find out if he is the answer to our problems. I'm not saying that it is a 100% guaranteed winner idea, just a preference to give the guy one belting pre-season fitness campaign specifically designed to change him around.

The past 3 years suggest we do not.

The only thing that the coaches have done is identify that he should only be played on slow opponents and that he can be used effectively by giving him the ball on the switch and for kick-ins.

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #2 – July 14, 2013, 08:06:05 pm

I hear what your saying Sheik and it isn't silly at all. he is not likely to get too much interest in trade week because he is basically untried and not a proven talent at AFL level yet. Keep him around and work on him and definitely get games into this kid. If he shows more capability in the future, he adds value to himself, and allows us better trade prospects in the future. If he plays well enough to be kept, he can blossom into the defender we need. He may even eventually work as a switch up forward at times. His kicking accuracy would justify that. We come across one issue and who is best to work with him to develop his body, his attitude, and add to his current talent base. Good questions though Sheik, good indeed.

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #3 – July 14, 2013, 08:37:05 pm

Watson was never a specialist defender at U18 level and it was his rebounding, sweeping ability with precision long kicking that made him a standout.
He is really having to learn the basics of playing KP from scratch and while having the mature body doesnt have a mature defensive mind....you look at McInnes who doesnt have the skills of Watson but has a mature defensive mind that relies on reading the play and concentrating on his man.

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #4 – July 14, 2013, 08:45:39 pm

I don't see Watson making it, but it is bloody early to make that call still.
He should though be starting to impose himself in some essence by now. Josh Kennedy used to get grief from many on this forum in his first few years and I remember thinking.... but geez the skinny kid can take a hell of a grab! I remember thinking (and saying), that when his body develops, when his mind is right we would be very good... I do tend to wonder now though if he would have become the same player he is now if he had stayed with us. On the other side... would Matthew Watson be struggling as much if he was drafted to West Coast or Fremantle or the likes?

It is different though with Watson, as I said I could see an extremely talented footballer in Kennedy who just didn't yet have enough confidence or body size to impose himself on the game, Watson has the body size, he just either doesn't have the assets or he doesn't have the strength of character. How much of that character is a personal flaw and how much is flaw in the development section of our club I am not sure, but again it does seem to follow a trend at CFC

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #5 – July 14, 2013, 08:48:40 pm

Quote from: ElwoodBlues1 – on July 14, 2013, 08:37:05 pm

Watson was never a specialist defender at U18 level and it was his rebounding, sweeping ability with precision long kicking that made him a standout.
He is really having to learn the basics of playing KP from scratch and while having the mature body doesnt have a mature defensive mind....you look at McInnes who doesnt have the skills of Watson but has a mature defensive mind that relies on reading the play and concentrating on his man.

Great comments... and maybe that is where he learned some bad habits (U18). A lot of work needs be done between his ears... not your academic or dexterous thinker. But, as an outspoken critic, I cautiously admit he did play to his strengths and contribute well on Saturday night. You'd give him another gig against the Wallaroos on Fri night, but, please, put him on yer slower tall forward!!! And encourage him to have a bit of passion for the game and his endeavours. Smack him... get him angry before a game.

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #6 – July 14, 2013, 08:57:59 pm

If he does play Friday night it is going to be interesting to see who he matches up on. They are a good chance of playing 3 talls.

Aaron Black... I really liked the look of this kid in his draft year and I called one of my North mates and said I think you might have taken the 'steal' of the draft. It has taken a while, but he is really showing his wares. He is better than Tarrant by a long way and I don't see Watson being physical enough to handle him. He really goes hard at the contested marks and probably has been their 'find of the year'

Drew Petrie... Probably his worst year in the last 6, but we have seen what he can do against us and it has to be either Jamo or Henderson, because again he is far too strong for Watson and will simply rag doll him.

So that leaves Robbie Tarrant.
Not sure what it is about Robbies but Tarrant has the same presence as Warnock, he will duck his head going for a mark, pull out of a contest and 'reach in' to try and take the mark without taking the hit. He doesn't like physical stuff at all, but he will lead a lot. he is also terrible when the ball hits the deck... this has to be his opponent. Unlike his brother Robbie is an excellent set shot for goal though, so really Watson has to spend his whole night trying to smack into Tarrant and make him earn any mark he takes for the night... I will say this though... If he can't play against a player with such obvious flaws as Robbie Tarrant... You could just about stick a fork in him

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #7 – July 15, 2013, 03:05:47 am

I myself would have to of been Watson's biggest fan. Being a CHB myself I have a soft spot for them and setting his highlight reel when we drafted him I went out and got a baby blue gursney with the number 10 on the back. Haven't been able to wear it much, but watched the game with a port supporter who had never heard of Watson. After the game I he said he doubts her ever will again and unfortunately I have to agree.

The kid has the skills, has the body but his head must bee hollow. He's not slow, he just has no desire to get that ball more than anyone else. He jogs to contests and then pulls up instead of sprinting and throwing his body on the line and over the ball. Watson needs to get some c*nt about him, use his body to intimidate, get front position, if he can't at least use his body to apply pressure instead of waiting to meet the ball with a punch from behind at the last second.

This kid should be smashing packs and running off for an easy kick cause most chfs won't chase but he is lazy and uninterested. Like a lot of our boys he doesn't bleed blue, he doesn't want to do win that ball and I'm 95% sure he doesn't want that ball anywhere near him

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #8 – July 15, 2013, 07:07:20 pm

Quote from: TheSheik – on July 14, 2013, 07:57:31 pm

Everyone was in raptures last night about Henderson going into attack and dominating. It gave the team someone to kick to in confidence because they new that he would make the lead, fight for the ball or take a strong mark. He was ably assisted by Rowe who whilst not being in the same league as Henderson, did play the CHF position better than anyone we've seen for some time.

In defence we had Jamison, who admittedly made some shocking errors, but he is a proven key position defender. He was ably assisted by MATHEW WATSON, that's right, the lad we took with our first pick in the 2010 National Draft at #18. He's a big kid too, 195cm & 100kg if you don't mind !!

I am one of many who is of the opinion that Watson won't make it and for a variety of reasons. He is quite slow, is not particularly strong overhead but his kicking is enough to bring back the old 'woof' cry (he is a left-footer like Christou too).

The thing is, if he was to really improve his game and warrant regular selection, it really straightens up our spine immeasurably. Now I'm not going to suggest that he should be gifted games between now & the end of the season to give him more confidence or the like, but what I do think may be a better option is for the people at our club to work on his fitness, body shape & overall agility. Whether we have the people at the club capable of doing this is actually a completely seperate & lengthy discussion on its own.

To me, Watson always looks like a young kid with a lot of 'puppy fat' on him, his body shape is not ideal for our game either. If you look at Karmicheal Hunt from the Suns, they have worked with him to reshape & remodel his body away from the typical NRL shaped player to one that works well in the AFL. Watson may benefit from the same sort of treatment !!

It would be a great waste (to me anyway) if we were to flick Watson before we put some intensive work into him to find out if he is the answer to our problems. I'm not saying that it is a 100% guaranteed winner idea, just a preference to give the guy one belting pre-season fitness campaign specifically designed to change him around.

If it doesn't work, then we could do what we wanted with him in the knowledge that we gave it our best shot.

Jamison
Watson
Judd
Henderson
Boyd

It's a spine that might test a few opposition teams.

I agree with this. While his NB's form has been patchy his he's never let anyone down when he's played for Carlton. No opponent's got a hold of him yet. For some reason his form improved. Could be a confidence thing. His speed actually tested ok at the draft camp although the first few steps are a be a touch slow. I think his could drop a couple of kg's and it could improve his speed. Don't think he need to be 100kg as a CHB. Like the way he closed on Reiwoldt the other night to create a spoil.

As the H-Sun said today it's vital that we develop him as it allows Henderson to go to CHF. It would improve our structure to the point of almost being almost potent when everyone is there.

Waite Henderson Menzel
Betts Rowe (Casboult) Garlett.

Get good movement out of defence though the midfield and that forward line could be very damaging. Watson's ball use can only add to that. Wouldn't need to fill key positions with ruckmen anymore.

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #9 – July 16, 2013, 11:14:10 pm

Quote from: majestic sea captain – on July 15, 2013, 03:05:47 am

I myself would have to of been Watson's biggest fan. Being a CHB myself I have a soft spot for them and setting his highlight reel when we drafted him I went out and got a baby blue gursney with the number 10 on the back. Haven't been able to wear it much, but watched the game with a port supporter who had never heard of Watson. After the game I he said he doubts her ever will again and unfortunately I have to agree.

The kid has the skills, has the body but his head must bee hollow. He's not slow, he just has no desire to get that ball more than anyone else. He jogs to contests and then pulls up instead of sprinting and throwing his body on the line and over the ball. Watson needs to get some c*nt about him, use his body to intimidate, get front position, if he can't at least use his body to apply pressure instead of waiting to meet the ball with a punch from behind at the last second.

This kid should be smashing packs and running off for an easy kick cause most chfs won't chase but he is lazy and uninterested. Like a lot of our boys he doesn't bleed blue, he doesn't want to do win that ball and I'm 95% sure he doesn't want that ball anywhere near him

There's more than enough can't about him already.

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #10 – July 17, 2013, 01:23:24 pm

Hmmm meanwhile Jack Darling was almost Best Afield with 5 goals against a Seasoned finals Unit with his pressure and tackling a standout...

Just saying.

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #11 – July 17, 2013, 01:27:59 pm

Quote from: RiverRat – on July 16, 2013, 11:14:10 pm

Quote from: majestic sea captain – on July 15, 2013, 03:05:47 am
I myself would have to of been Watson's biggest fan. Being a CHB myself I have a soft spot for them and setting his highlight reel when we drafted him I went out and got a baby blue gursney with the number 10 on the back. Haven't been able to wear it much, but watched the game with a port supporter who had never heard of Watson. After the game I he said he doubts her ever will again and unfortunately I have to agree.

The kid has the skills, has the body but his head must bee hollow. He's not slow, he just has no desire to get that ball more than anyone else. He jogs to contests and then pulls up instead of sprinting and throwing his body on the line and over the ball. Watson needs to get some c*nt about him, use his body to intimidate, get front position, if he can't at least use his body to apply pressure instead of waiting to meet the ball with a punch from behind at the last second.

This kid should be smashing packs and running off for an easy kick cause most chfs won't chase but he is lazy and uninterested. Like a lot of our boys he doesn't bleed blue, he doesn't want to do win that ball and I'm 95% sure he doesn't want that ball anywhere near him

There's more than enough can't about him already.

Arrr, the dry wit of the Rat in the River...

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #12 – July 17, 2013, 08:16:25 pm

Will Watson play again next week. If he can't be put on competitive players, he is no good to us. If we rely on him against North Melbourne, we could lose the game.
I would keep Lachie up forward - for sure!
But Waite back is a luxury - could go forward or back?
Better Waite back - keep Lachie up forward
Could we fault Watson last week?

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #13 – July 17, 2013, 08:35:38 pm

Watson did very well last week. I'd give him a go, but same concerns as others, can the club get the best out of him and ensure he has a bit of can't in him?

Re: Reshape & Remodel Watson = The Spine Is Stronger Overall

Reply #14 – July 17, 2013, 09:04:33 pm

IF its all about the process, Watson plays this week. No point dropping him for four points when they are not guaranteed anyway and we can find out some information about what he can and cant do, and this could be the information that makes the penny drop with him.

Some players need no light bulb moment, some need multiple.