Brisbane Lions new recruit Josh Watts handed Simon Black’s No.20 jumper

NO pressure kid. Brisbane’s top pick Josh Watts has some big numbers to fill at the Lions after being handed Simon Black’s No.20.

NO pressure kid.

New Brisbane recruit Josh Watts has a big jumper to fill in 2015 after being handed the No.20 guernsey made famous by Lions legend Simon Black.

The No.20 was ‘retired’ in 2014 to honour the triple premiership player, Brownlow Medallist, Norm Smith Medallist and club games record holder (322 games) who hung up the boots at the end of the 2013 season.

Black joined club greats such as Michael Voss, Jonathan Brown and Alastair Lynch in having his number retired for 12 months.

But the No.20 will be re-activated with the slightly-built 194cm-tall Tasmanian defender underneath it.

Lions senior coach Justin Leppitsch with draftees Josh McGuinness and Josh Watts. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

He was presented with his new number when senior coach Justin Leppitsch visited him at his family home last weekend.

Watts was taken with selection No.65, Brisbane’s top pick, at last Thursday night’s national draft.

It has not taken his new teammates long to apply the blowtorch that will come from wearing one of the most beloved numbers in club history.

“A few of the boys have already been into me saying things like, ‘no pressure’,” Watts said.

“I found out about it on Saturday and it was a pretty exciting moment to hear that I inherited Simon Black’s old number. I’ve got some big shoes to fill.

Simon Black retired after the 2013 season after 322 games. Picture: Darren England

“I met him the other day but we didn’t talk for long. I look forward to having a good chat to him.

“I think he was disappointed that they were scratching his name off the locker and putting mine on.’’

Watts hails from the Glenorchy club and has sought the advice of former Lions forward Aaron Cornelius who was player-coach at the same Tasmanian club.

Cornelius suffered a horror career-ending leg injury while playing for Glenorchy this year. Watts was involved in the same game and has learned the valuable lesson that a football career can never be taken for granted.

At 75kg, Watts needs to fill out but there is no doubting his composure under pressure, high skill level and ability to read the game. He is seen as a hybrid defender capable of playing on talls or smalls.

He played for the Allies team in the curtain-raiser to this year’s AFL Grand Final at the MCG and represented Tasmania at this year’s national under 18 carnival.

“I know I have a lot of work to do with building my strength and endurance but I feel like I have the attributes to play at AFL level,’’ Watts said.

The strong Tasmanian contingent at the club will also help him settle into life as a Lion.

“It’s great that there are so many Tassie boys here. I knew if I was going to get drafted I’d have to leave home and there is no better place to be with so many boys from home,’’ Watts said.

Originally published as Brisbane Lions new recruit Josh Watts handed Simon Black’s No.20 jumper