Jacks Watts backs Port Adelaide to perform strongly in 2018 to justify switch from Melbourne
IT didn’t take long for social media to send viral Jack Watts’ belief Port Adelaide was closer to a flag than Melbourne. Now, the Power recruit says he will take it with a grain of salt.
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JACK Watts concedes there is major pressure to deliver at Alberton this season while predicting Port Adelaide is closer to a flag than former side Melbourne.
The Demons haven’t figured in September since 2006 and lost to Collingwood in the final round to miss last season’s finals while Port endured an elimination final exit against West Coast.
Asked who was closer to a flag, Watts said: “You know who I think is, that is why I am here.”
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After a predictable social media storm from angry Demons fans, Watts laughed it off as just a bit of fun.
“All I can do is encourage all those furious Melbourne supporters that teeing off at me on Twitter is go and watch the interview, I think you will see it was all a bit of fun,” he told SEN.
“Of course I’m going to support the team that I’m at.”
After nine seasons with Melbourne, Watts sought a fresh start, through “mutual” agreement, with coach Simon Goodwin.
The 2008 No.1 draft pick can’t wait to load up Port linchpins Robbie Gray and Charlie Dixon alongside high profile signings Tom Rockliff and Steve Motlop.
“It is pretty exciting coming in, just the names that are at this club at the moment and you add Tom Rockliff and Steve Motlop, it is pretty exciting if we can keep everyone out on the park,” said 153-game utility Watts.
“Just that even contribution, don’t need two players to have 35 touches or Charlie Dixon to kick five goals a game. We should have a really successful year.”
Port is living in the now, topping up its list for a concerted crack at a second flag and Watts says Port will deal with the expectation.
“You would hope there is a bit of pressure, want to be a bit successful and that is what this club is all about, being successful on the field,” said 196cm Watts.
“That’s what we expect and no reason why we shouldn’t be.”
Watts, 26, decided to train with first to fourth-year players from November 20 at Alberton alongside former Demons skipper Jack Trengove.
A short stint under Ken Hinkley has already validated the call to switch clubs.
“The three weeks here have proven it is the right the decision,” said Watts.
“You come in here and see guys like Travis Boak, Robbie Gray and Charlie Dixon up forward and just want to impress them, put your best foot forward and earn the respect of the training group early.”
Watts’ high point with Melbourne came booting 38 goals in 2016 and feels half-forward is his prime position.
“I like to think I would be that half forward, a bit of a connection between backline, midfield, going inside 50,” said Watts.
“That is where my strengths lie, using the footy, creating opportunities. Everyone has improvement in them and an environment like this will really help.”
Watts has settled in Adelaide quickly with the help of close mate Trengove. Lining up a house at North Brighton has delivered a work-life balance that Melbourne’s rat race never offered.
“All the boys say you are ages away and it’s 24 minutes away. I am used to living three kilometres away from the ground on Punt Road and it taking 45 minutes,” said Watts.
“I am loving the lifestyle, beaches, still have that footy focus but out of the Melbourne bubble.”
Originally published as Jacks Watts backs Port Adelaide to perform strongly in 2018 to justify switch from Melbourne