Jack Watts will be more consistent than Nic Nat, David Schwarz says. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun
MELBOURNE great David Schwarz says Jack Watts will flourish off half-back this season, justifying the club's decision to select him ahead of Nic Naitanui in the 2008 national draft.
Entering his fifth AFL campaign, Watts has shown promise of developing into the team's most damaging defensive playmaker, racking up 25 touches against Gold Coast in its final pre-season game on Saturday.
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The club's decision to prefer him to Naitanui in 2008 has drawn much criticism, as Watts struggled to make a regular impact, particularly up forward early in his career.
North Melbourne informally discussed a move to trade for the 21-year-old in October last year. But Schwarz said the move to turn the 196cm Brighton Grammar product into a line-breaking backman will pay off for the Demons.
"They're completely different players and I think when they finish their careers Nic Naitanui will have a highlight reel longer than your arm," Schwarz said.
Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui will start his pre-season campaign late. Picture: Justin Benson-cooper. Source: PerthNow
"But Jack Watts will be a more consistent player."
Schwarz, who played 173 games for Melbourne, said Watts would develop into a "Brendon Goddard type".
"(He was) A little bit slow (developing) for his first couple of years," he said.
"But no doubt he (Watts) reads the game well. He has a great set of hands, he kicks the ball (well), makes good decisions.
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"He'll be the go-to player and he will control a lot (of play) off half-back.
"Sides will probably work that out pretty quickly, but I reckon he's good enough to find space."
West Coast ruckman Naitanui won All-Australian selection last year and is widely regarded as one of the most athletic and exciting talents to play AFL.
Naitanui's marketing appeal is also huge and he helps draws sponsors as one of the faces of the Eagles.
While the spring-heeled big man faces a delayed start to the season after groin surgery last year, Watts has sparkled over summer.
Schwarz said Watts was clearer about his role in the team under second-year coach Mark Neeld.
"I think he (Watts) is calm. I think he knows what his role is now," Schwarz said. "When he first came in he was back, he was forward, he was all over the shop.
"I reckon he's got real direction and I think he's one of those players (if) you give him direction he will follow."
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