Jack Watts leaves the field after another Melbourne defeat. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times
A MIDFIELD move was significant incentive for Jack Watts to accept a new three-years deal with Melbourne.
The former number one draft pick said new coach Paul Roos had indicated he wanted to use him more in that role in 2014.
"He sees me as a bit of a midfielder and a bigger body and I feel like (if) I can get my hands on the ball a bit more than I have, I can have a lot more impact in my game,’’ he said yesterday.
"That was pretty exciting to hear that from him. Now it’s up to me to hold up my end of the bargain and come back in good nick and really attack the pre-season.’’
Watts, who went to the US in the off-season last year, plans to spend a couple of weeks in Byron Bay on the north NSW coast before starting training again in November.
He said Roos’ appointment and the continuing role of chief executive Peter Jackson had convinced him to stay.
"For me, it was just about seeing what was taking place at the club and I don’t think anyone could argue with me for that,’’ Watts said.
"To have someone of his (Roos) stature and even just to be able to talk to him for five minutes and see his vision of where we’re going and what kind of person he is, that made the decision a lot easier..
"It’s a big relief and it brings a lot of happiness. I’m stoked to get it done and I can look forward to next year now.’’
Demons co-captain Jack Trengove tweeted: ``My man! Never doubted it, exciting times.’’
It’s believed several AFL clubs had shown interest in the out-of-contact 2008 No.1 draft pick.
Watts, 22, has played 73 games since his publicised AFL debut against Collingwood on Queen’s Birthday in 2009.
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