Jack Watts the hero for Melbourne Demons

JACK Watts’ AFL debut against Collingwood was one to forget. Eight years later, he may have given the performance of his career.

Jack Watts (centre) of the Demons reacts after kicking a goal.

MELBOURNE have surged into the AFL top eight with a heart-stopping four-point win over Collingwood in the annual Queen’s Birthday clash at the MCG.

The oft-maligned Jack Watts kicked what turned out to be the matchwinner for the Demons deep in the last quarter, putting his team 10 points ahead.

Jack Watts kicks the sealer and the crowd erupts. #AFLDeesPies pic.twitter.com/hg0Uarav1a

— AFL (@AFL) June 12, 2017

Alex Fasolo slotted a major at the other end as the final siren sounded but it turned out to be too little too late as Melbourne won 15.14 (104) to 15.10 (100).

It lifted them to sixth spot with a 6-5 win-loss record, while West Coast dropped outside the top eight.

Collingwood would also have claimed sixth position on the ladder had they won on Monday.

There were six lead changes in a seesawing first term as both teams searched for an advantage.

The Demons took a seven-point lead into the opening break when Tom McDonald booted a goal after the siren after his former teammate Lynden Dunn conceded a questionable free kick in a marking contest.

The Magpies looked to have broken the game open with the first six goals of the second quarter, including a clever snap from Fasolo, who was back in action after sitting out the Magpies’s previous match having gone public with his mental health battle.

Christian Petracca then got Melbourne back into the contest, setting up a goal for Jeff Garlett with a fine intercept mark and kicking another one himself.

Former Demon Jeremy Howe jumped clear over the top of Tom McDonald in what was a serious contender for mark of the year late in the term.

Jeremy Howe gets some serious air. Unbelievable! #AFLDeesPies pic.twitter.com/rOWwGFcuAl

— AFL (@AFL) June 12, 2017

The Magpies led by 23 points at halftime.

Melbourne wrested back the momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Collingwood by six goals to two to take a one-point lead into the final change.

Goals were harder to come by in the final quarter, with Mitch Hannan, the impressive Petracca and Watts booting majors for the winners and Jordan De Goey, Tom Phillips and Fasolo responding for the Magpies.

Watts and Petracca kicked three goals apiece for Melbourne.

But it was Watts’ who received the most acclaim for his performance. The once maligned Demon made his debut in the same game eight years ago and has enjoyed a bumpy ride ever since.

But the 2017 version proved a hero.

Jack Watts kicks the Queen's Birthday sealer. Eight years is a long time in footy. #AFLDeesPies

— Sam Landsberger 🗯 (@SamLandsberger) June 12, 2017

Watts with the sealer. His debut on this day seems like a lifetime ago now. #AFLDeesPies

— Alex Fair (@AJFair85) June 12, 2017

Great moment for Jack Watts - took it upon himself to ice it. #AFLDeesPies #FreezeMND

— Jude Bolton (@Jude_Bolton) June 12, 2017

Eight years after his debut on Queen's B'day Jack Watts does that. What a moment. #AFLDeesPies

— Matt Thompson (@MattThompson) June 12, 2017

W - AAP