MELBOURNE’S round two loss to Essendon at the MCG was a glitch and won’t be the norm at the club in 2016, according to forward Jack Watts.
Reflecting on the loss in the lead-up to Sunday’s clash against Richmond at the MCG, Watts said it was a game that frustrated the club.
“The Essendon game, in my eyes and the coaches’ eyes, was a bit of a one off. We went away from the way that we play,” he said.
“That was a bit of a difference. When we were reviewing that game, we were able to recognise what we did wrong. It was pretty clear to everyone. We weren’t wondering how it all went wrong or anything. We knew exactly what we did.
“It’s not about winning the games – it’s about the way we’re playing the game. If we can play a really good brand of footy with intensity and [attack] the ball, that’s the main thing. If we can do that, we’ll win these games.”
Watts said there was a “positive feeling” around the club and that it was great to be part of a genuine team environment.
“We’re all on the same page and it feels like we’ve got a game plan that everyone loves and enjoys playing. When that eventuates and brings out good games – then when you win games, it’s a lot more fun than losing them, so it’s been good,” he said.
“We’ve played some pretty good outfits in GWS and North Melbourne, who are pretty respected teams. We feel like every week we’ve got the game plan and it stacks up to win the game.
“It’s just about bringing the attitude and the intensity, and it’s an enjoyable place to be. We’ve got some really exciting players who will take us into the future.”