KFC SuperFooty TV: Jay Clark, Sam Landsberger and Jack Watts look at the big issues in the AFL before round 10

Jack Watts says leaving Melbourne gave his AFL career a fresh and more enjoyable start. But would he advise Dustin Martin to do the same? Watch KFC SuperFooty TV.

Jack Watts has backed Damien Hardwick’s surprise comments this week that he wouldn’t stand in Dustin Martin’s way if he wanted to leave Richmond.

Speculation has swirled over the three-time Norm Smith medallist’s future after he took six weeks off for personal reasons, spending time in Sydney during his break.

Martin’s mega contract runs until the end of 2024 but Hardwick said any more footy he plays at the Tigers is “a bonus”.

“Whatever Dustin’s decision is moving forward is up to Dustin, and to be honest he has my blessing,” Hardwick said.

WATCH A NEW EPISODE OF KFC SUPERFOOTY TV ABOVE

Watts, who left Melbourne after nine seasons to finish his career in Adelaide, said it was a wonderful show of faith.

“I think that’s great from Dimma,” Watts said on a new episode of KFC SuperFooty TV, the weekly footy show exclusive to heraldsun.com.au.

“I think Dimma’s basically saying you’ve given everything to our club, we’re not going to hold a gun over you.”

“If anything I think that’s going to make him want to stay at Richmond more.”

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Dustin Martin is one of the most recognisable players in the game. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Watts said his move out of the footy fishbowl released a pressure valve.

“It’s a good feeling, the pressure’s off, and to be honest I felt that’s when I was able to enjoy (my footy) and come into my own as a player.

“I felt like whatever I did at Melbourne wasn’t enough.

“I don’t know how much anonymity Dustin Martin is going to get, it’s a bit different to me going to Glenelg.”

Also on the agenda this week, Watts reveals what it’s like to be on the receiving end of an on-field sledge, the panel discuss if Essendon coach Ben Rutten will survive, what’s behind falling footy crowd numbers and give their tips for every round 10 game.