Jack Watts

DOB: 26 May, 1991
Debut: Round 11, 2009 against Collingwood at MCG

Games: 40*
Goals: 33*
Career Statistics

From: Brighton Grammar/Sandringham U18, Selection 1, 2008 National Draft

Number: 4 2009-

The 2008 Vic Metro representative was an All-Australian but spent much of his time playing school football rather than in the TAC Cup. Nevertheless, he entered the 2008 National Draft as a highly touted forward prospect and was selected by the Demons with the first overall pick. At the AFL Draft Camp he recorded the second fastest time by a non-indigenous player in the 20 metres sprint - 2.82 seconds.

Having chosen football over basketball at a relatively late age, and being one of the youngest players in his draft, Watts was expected to spent most of the year developing his game with Casey. Nevertheless he was installed as one of the early favourites for the 2009 Rising Star award.

After not having had a full pre-season he didn't play for Casey in the early rounds of the VFL season, but once he broke into the side Watts showed promise - including a goal of the year contender on a live ABC game against Coburg.

Watts made his debut against Collingwood on Queen's Birthday Monday after an enormous build-up and had a rough initiation to league football with the side playing one of its worst games of the year. He showed promise in kicking two goals from strong marks against Essendon in the next match, but missed the majority of the rest of the 2009 season in the reserves and with a hand injury.

Forced to wait for his opportunity in an improved 2010 side, Watts broke into the team in round 8 and kept his spot for the last 15 matches of the season. Despite some flashes of brilliance, including 27 possessions in the round 18 win over Brisbane, he failed to deliver a true breakthrough game and kicked ten goals for the year.

At the conclusion of the year Watts signed a three year contract with the Demons to tie him to the club to the end of 2013, ensuring his long term future and keeping him out of the clutches of the Greater Western Sydney expansion team.

Season 2011 was Watts most consistent yet. Playing in the forward line or in the midfield, Watts has played the most impressive football of his career, his contested marking, tackling and overall aggresive behaviour just some of the highlights of a much-improved footballer. He played every match for the season.

Links
Wikipedia profile

Media
"Demons ensure Watts out of reach" - The Australian 15/09/2010
Media Links