Former No.1 pick Jack Watts puts contract negiotiations with Demons on hold

MELBOURNE'S former No.1 draft pick Jack Watts has put contract talks on hold, at least until the Demons find a new coach.

Jack Watts

MELBOURNE young gun Jack Watts has put contract negotiations on hold until his embattled club finds itself a coach.

In a major setback for the struggling Demons, Watts has decided to keep his options open with a number of rival clubs keen to secure the former No.1 draft pick.

Watts's manager, Paul Connors, told the Demons on Monday that the player would not be considering a new contract until the club had appointed a senior coach.

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The 22-year-old, who has played 68 games since 2009, struggled under the direction of Mark Neeld, but has showed improved form working with caretaker coach Neil Craig.

"We're just going to wait until Melbourne appoints a senior coach before we sit down and work out Jack's future," Connors said.

Fremantle, who last week missed out on the signature of Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt, has already tabled its interest in the 196cm forward, while at least half a dozen other clubs are also following the contract situation closely.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said last night he would continue to speak with Watts.

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"We're happy there is constant dialogue going on and we're continually talking to Jack," he said.

"Jack is a required player; we think he has shown some good flexibility throughout this year through the midfield."

The Demons are looking for an experienced coach with Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos the preferred candidate.

He has rejected their overtures so far. Former Western Bulldogs boss Rodney Eade and Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams are next in line.

Colin Sylvia, an unrestricted free agent, is also waiting until the end of the season before deciding his future.

In another blow for the Demons, key defender James Frawley will miss Saturday's bottom-of-the-table clash with the Greater Western Sydney with a hamstring injury.

Frawley, the likely opponent for Giants young star Jeremy Cameron, will miss at least four games given his history of hamstring issues.