Jack Watts says his form is a reflection of Melbourne’s improvement as a team

JACK Watts says being dropped for Melbourne’s final game of 2015 was a “kick in the guts” but it’s not the only reason for his impressive start to this season.

AFL: Round 4 Collingwood v Melbourne Jack Watts Picture:Wayne Ludbey

JACK Watts says being dropped for Melbourne’s final game of 2015 was a “kick in the guts” but it’s not the only reason for his impressive start to this season.

The maligned former No.1 draft pick has kicked nine goals in four games so far this season, including three against North Melbourne and a standout four in the Demons’ 35-point win over Collingwood on Sunday.

“I don’t know if it really helped, it was a bit of a kick in the guts to be honest,” Watts said of being dropped in Round 23.

“You use that as a little bit of motivation over the off season, but once you get back into it, it’s long gone.

“You get straight into this year and just try to do your bit for the team.”

He said nothing had “clicked” for him this year, but Melbourne was simply a better team.

“I’m probably doing all similar things to what I’ve done in the past but with a team that, we’re starting to play a pretty good brand of footy,” Watts said.

“We’re averaging a lot more inside 50s, we’re getting a lot more opportunities so playing as a forward, law of averages I guess would say you’re going to have a bit more of an impact.

“The team’s really improved and we’re starting to play and we’re starting to play some pretty good footy.”

Jack Watts celebrates one of his four goals in the win over Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

A restricted free agent at season’s end, Watts said he was happy to wait before he considered a new deal with the Demons.

“I’ve had a couple of good games but I guess the focus would be just to keep that going,” he said.

“Have a good year, a consistent year, that would be the main thing for me. As you can see, it’s a pretty enjoyable place to be and the future’s looking pretty bright.”

FROM TORMENTED TO TORMENTOR

Jack Watts v Collingwood

	2015-2016	2010-2014
Matches	3	6
Ranking points	95	67
Disposals	19.7	15.5
Shots at goal	2.7	1.0
Goals	2	0.2
Score involvements	5.7	4.0

Career stats

	2016	2009-2015
Ranking points	75	72
Disposals	14.2	15.9
Marks	6.5	5.1
Shots at goal	3.2	1.3
Goals	2.2	0.7
Score involvements	6.0	4.5

Source: Champion Data