Jack Watts says he didn't always enjoy Mark Neeld's coaching style. Picture: Getty Images Source: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images
MELBOURNE utility Jack Watts says he wasn't surprised Mark Neeld was sacked and that he wasn't a fan of the former Demons coach's style.
Watts said that while Neeld "did an amazing job" with the team, which won just one game under him before he was replaced by assistant Neil Craig last month, his hard-line approach hadn't worked.
Watts, who was one of four Melbourne players axed in round three after the club's catastrophic 148-point loss to Essendon, said Neeld's ethos wasn't for everyone.
"I guess with the pressure that was building up it (Neeld's sacking) probably wasn't a huge surprise," Watts told Mike Sheahan on Fox Footy.
"I think he came in with his philosophy of going pretty hard with us and I think that works for some people and probably doesn't for others."
"I think it worked in a certain way for me. I guess with my training and standards and that kind of thing. Probably at an emotional level I found it a bit hard."
"I wouldn't say I was pleased (Neeld was sacked) but I think we probably needed something different."
Watts said he sought support from Craig as Neeld's tough love took its toll.
"With Craigy already being at the club, so when Neeldy came in and went pretty hard, Craigy was sort of that person for me to go an speak to and sort of help me through it."
"He's probably, for me personally, more personable."
Melbourne last week beat the Western Bulldogs in a three-point thriller - their first win since the round four victory against Greater Western Sydney.
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