St Kilda has not defeated Essendon since round 8 in 2009, but their poor record in recent years will have no impact on their clash this weekend.
“History’s history. New players, new coaches, new game,” Watters said on Friday morning.
“If you’re digging up historical records to motivate the group, I think you’re clutching at straws.”
The Saints have made five changes to the squad this week, after two injury blows and a suspension; but despite the pressure Watters believes this is the chance for sidelined players to step up.
“It puts us under a degree of pressure but these are the moments you find out more about your list.”
“You expose players to bigger responsibilities and see whether they can handle that so out of these sorts of situations your club can actually grow.”
“We probably have our backs to the wall right at the moment. It’s a tough competition and we have to deal with it.”
In-form Jobe Watson will be on Watters radar this weekend, and returning tagger Clint Jones will be considered in a game plan to minimalize the midfielder’s effect on the game.
“His last three or four weeks he’s arguably the best player in the competition. Jones is certainly someone that will be considered for the role.”
“But when you have a player in such good form we’ve probably got three scenarios that we’ll look at throughout the course of the game.”
Among the changes is the addition of 20-year-old medium forward Daniel Markworth to the emergency list, who in his first year at the Saints has been impressive in VFL affiliate side Sandringham.
“His forms been really good. He’s a promising kid. He’ll potentially play this year.”
“His form is starting to warrant that but with another pre-season we think he’s going to be a very good player for this footy club.”
