Despite the media agenda heavily focused on a battle between the coaches, Watters is turning his attention away from the hype so he can concentrate on the real contenders.
“I think the great thing about the game is that players play, and coaches coach,” Senior Coach Scott Watters said at this morning’s Press Conference.
“I’m more concerned about Aaron Sandilands, the number one ruckman in the competition, Matty Pavlich five or six times All-Australian,” he said.
“Ballantyne comes back - he’s a great player, maybe he’s gone past Stephen Milne as the best small-forward in the competition. Steven Hill, outstanding player. They’re the people I’m concerned with - not coaches.”
VIDEO: Watters on Fremantle’s big guns
With both sides heading into Round 4 with two wins apiece, Watters said he is up for a hungry contest.
“I think both sides will be very hungry. To be sitting 3 and 1 will be a positive start to the year. That’s what makes it an interesting encounter,” he said.
Watters believes Freo’s defensive structure will be challenging and is working to combat their “hard-nosed” game style.
“They’re an elite interstate side so I’m certainly not fooled into thinking this an inexperienced or rebuilding team. The List that they’ve built over 3 or 4 years is outstanding,” he said
“We know we’re in for a challenge.”
Goal-sneak Hayden Ballantyne is expected to re-enter Fremantle’s side tomorrow night, returning from a two-match suspension for striking Geelong’s Paul Chapman in Round 1.
Having coached Ballantyne in a state game more than four years ago, Scott Watters isn’t under any illusions about the small forwards game style.
“I think opposition players, umpires and coaches are getting more familiar with the way he goes about his business.”
“It works for him, but we have choices about how we act so we’ll be pretty disciplined and focused, particularly playing against a quality player like Hayden,” he said.
VIDEO: Watters on Ballantyne
Despite the majority of St Kilda’s List having played under former Coach Ross Lyon, Watters said his men are focused on one thing, and that’s to play the game.
“Players need to invest in their game plan. They need to invest in their own performance and need to make sure they take care of business from a football point of view.”
VIDEO: Watters on Ross Lyon
