Jack Watts and Karl Amon went from primary school buddies to Port Adelaide teammates

JACK Watts used to push Karl Amon around the yard in primary school in a wheelchair. Almost 20 years later it’s Amon who is running him off his legs at Port Adelaide pre-season.

Port Adelaide players Karl Amon and new recruit Jack Watts at Kooyonga Golf Club this week. Picture: Sarah Reed.

JACK Watts used to push Karl Amon around the yard at Sandringham Primary School in a wheelchair and now almost 20 years later it’s Amon who is running him off his legs at Port Adelaide pre-season.

In a heartwarming reunion at Alberton this summer, Watts and Amon have gone from primary school pals to Power teammates and golfing buddies at Kooyonga.

When Amon started prep he was paired up with an older student who just happened to be a Grade 4 Watts.

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Amon was born with Perthes disease, a childhood disorder caused by a disruption of blood flow to the ball of the femur, and had five operations between the ages of five and seven to correct the problem.

He spent a year in a wheelchair and a further 12 months on crutches which is when he met Watts.

“I remember him definitely, he was in the wheelchair back then and had both legs in casts,” Watts told the Sunday Mail this week.

Karl Amon and Jack Watts in their junior basketball days at the Sandringham Sabres. Picture: Supplied.

“It was hard seeing a young kid who obviously loved his sport and all he wanted to do was get out there and have a kick of the footy with his mates but was unable to at that time.

“So I’ve followed his journey all the way along and it’s pretty incredible how he’s ended up and now watching him run around the track I’m a bit jealous of those legs of his.

“He well and truly got me in the time trial the other day, it wasn’t even a contest.”

Amon spent significant time at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital while going to school and said Watts was an inspiration to him.

“They did a thing where they paired up an older person with a younger school kid,” Amon said.

“I remember having him as a buddy in prep and through junior ranks Jack was a pretty talented sportsman on the basketball court and footy field, he was always playing sport after me so I’d hang around and watch.

“We followed each other through the East Sandringham Football Club and also Sandringham Sabres Basketball Club as well.

Amon and new recruit Watts enjoy a round at Kooyonga Golf Course. Pic: Sarah Reed

“When he went Pick No.1 (in the 2008 national draft) that was a pretty cool experience to know there was that connection there and I drew a bit of inspiration to try to reach that level as well.

“Because we’re from the same area back home we’ve run into each other here and there and mum always runs into him at the shops and says hi.

“It’s funny how things work out.”

Watts was drafted by Melbourne in 2008 and played 153 games before being traded to the Power in the off-season. Amon was drafted by the Power in 2013 and has played 36 AFL games.

This week they took time out of their training schedule to play a round of golf at Kooyonga. Both a keen golfers with Watts playing off 10 and Amon 16.

“There’ll be something on the line,” Watts said before they teed off.

“Maybe a lunch or a coffee.”

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