JACK Watts says Melbourne’s season is far from over as it still has eight rounds left to make its mark on the 2016 season.
Speaking at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Monday afternoon, where Melbourne was holding a clinic, Watts said there was no chance the club was giving up on 2016.
“There is plenty of footy left to be played and for this group I don’t think there is going to be any throwing in the towel or anything,” he said.
“We’ve been in some pretty dark places and we’re set on improving and taking this club forward. There is plenty of time to do that.
“It’s really disappointing [that we lost to Adelaide], but we’ll be aiming to get one or two of those [bigger scalps] towards the backend of the season.”
Watts was still frustrated from Sunday’s 22-point loss to Adelaide at the MCG. Although he didn’t want to use the youth of Melbourne’s side as an excuse, he conceded simple skill errors proved costly.
“We’re just letting ourselves down a little bit with simple little things in the game, which was really frustrating,” he said.
“But I think the best thing for us is the fact that we are in a position to win a lot of those games against top four sides this year.
“It’s great learning for a young group.”
Watts said speedster Jayden Hunt, who was one of Melbourne’s best against the Crows, had added plenty to the side.
“He’s pretty special. He took his time getting into the ones and since he’s been in, he’s taken his opportunity with both hands,” he said.
“The way that he plays is what we’re trying to do as a club – take the shackles off and really enjoy yourself and take the game on.
“For me personally as a forward, when Hunty wins the ball off half-back and breaks the lines, it makes it a pretty easy game for us.”
As for which player was king of the kids at the clinic, Watts said ruckman Max Gawn was the standout.
“He’s the king of most things at the moment, so he’s doing well,” he said.
Watts said this round’s clash at TIO Stadium in Darwin was a great opportunity for the club.
“We do honestly enjoy going up there,” he said.
“It’s a chance to get out of Melbourne and the weather is not great around here at this time, so we get up there and get a bit of sunshine.
“The NT has been sensational for us as a club and we really value that partnership. We really look forward to this week. We think it’s a great opportunity, after a tough loss against the Crows.”
