David Schwarz backs Jack Watts to play in Round 1 after getting a wake-up call from Melbourne

DAVID Schwarz says Jack Watts is a certainty to play in Melbourne’s Round 1 side, and has described Christian Petracca as a megastar in the making.

Jack Watts has been left out of Melbourne’s two pre-season games. Picture: Michael Klein

DAVID Schwarz says Jack Watts is a certainty to play in Melbourne’s Round 1 side despite the team’s sparkling form without the 25-year-old.

And the Demons great has described Christian Petracca as a megastar in the making.

Schwarz likened the mid-sized forward to eight-time All-Australian Mark Ricciuto, saying he would be the Melbourne fans’ favourite player by year’s end.

Watts, fifth in last year’s best-and-fairest, was given no guarantees by coach Simon Goodwin on Saturday he would play in the club’s final pre-season game, against West Coast in Perth on Thursday week.

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But given Watts’ talent and 38 goals last year, it would seem unlikely he would be overlooked for the entire JLT Community Series.

Jack Watts is “clearly” in Melbourne’s best 22, says club great David Schwarz. Picture: Getty Images

Key forward Sam Weideman again showed signs of his talent against Carlton on Saturday but has just three games and three goals under his belt.

“He (Watts) is clearly in their best 22 players, he is in their best three forwards in the side and he is probably in their best two,’’ Schwarz said.

“I reckon it’s just a wake-up call. Sometimes players need that. I spoke to the club and they have been really consistent regarding players with outstanding pre-seasons and his wasn’t as good.

“There were others in front of him. From what I understand he has taken the advice on board and is really positive and happy with where he’s at.”

Jesse Hogan and Weideman easily accounted for a young Carlton side but St Kilda’s quality defensive talls include Jake Carlisle, Sean Dempster, Nathan Brown and Dylan Roberton.

“They would work Hogan into the ground,’’ Schwarz said.

“Watts commands another tall and someone who has to play on a six foot four player so he’s important (kicking goals) for Melbourne but also helps get the balance right against other teams.”

Christian Petracca was Melbourne’s best player against Carlton on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

Petracca has a little of Schwarz’s strut, athleticism and nose for goal, nailing four scintillating goals with strong marking and deadeye kicking.

“I think he and Clayton Oliver are two genuine stars in the making,’’ Schwarz said.

“Oliver they can’t tackle and Petracca could be one the most powerful players we have ever seen.

“He will be Melbourne supporters’ favourite player within 12 months, he will already be universally loved in a year.

“He reminds me of a more polished Ricciuto. He is a little like him, he has some Paul Kelly about him too.

“He is a unique talent, as he showed with that double-handed tap to Oliver.”