KFC SuperFooty TV: Jay Clark and Jack Watts look at the big issues in the AFL before round 23

Jack Watts had five coaches at Melbourne, so he knows what it’s like to be at a club is under siege. And the response isn’t always what you might expect.

Being at the centre of an AFL coaching crisis can provoke unexpected reactions.

Ben Rutten is believed to have opened his address to Essendon players this week with a joke about the “elephant in the room”, and that response is not unusual according to Jack Watts.

The former No.1 draft pick played under five coaches at Melbourne and said knowing the axe was hovering could lift a weight off a coach’s shoulders.

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“In my experience it’s actually quite funny because the coach loosens up a bit,” he said on KFC SuperFooty TV.

“Hopefully big Truck Rutten enjoys his last couple of weeks. I think he’s set for a nice payout and he’ll slip into an assistant coaching job somewhere next year, so (my advice is) enjoy yourself.”

Essendon coach Ben Rutten confronts the media this week. Picture: Tony Gough

Watts said if four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson landed the Bombers job, he would command instant respect from the players – and potentially some fear.

“I remember Jordan Lewis talking about him and saying he’s a bit of a psycho, but he’ll get them on the right track,” he said, adding there was another side to Clarkson’s personality.

“I do remember Cam Bruce telling me when he left Melbourne for Hawthorn Clarko straight away had him around for dinner, they had a few wines, behind closed doors he was there for him, so I’m sure he’s got that part too.”

On this week’s show Watts and Jay Clark pay tribute to retiring Port Adelaide champion Robbie Gray, reveal the latest trade whispers and preview Sunday’s huge Carlton v Collingwood clash.

Originally published as KFC SuperFooty TV: Jay Clark and Jack Watts look at the big issues in the AFL before round 23