Simon Goodwin driving Melbourne’s push for greater attack during its NAB Challenge campaign

MELBOURNE’S coach-in-waiting Simon Goodwin has been revealed as a key mastermind behind the Demons’ new-found attacking flair.

afl pre-seasons Picture:Wayne Ludbey Melbourne Demon coach Paul Roos & Simon Goodwin on Gosch's paddock

MELBOURNE’S coach-in-waiting Simon Goodwin has been revealed as a key mastermind behind the Demons’ new-found attacking flair.

The former Essendon senior assistant coach, who will take the reins from Paul Roos in 2017, has helped build on the Demons’ ultra-defensive 2014 game plan, which produced their lowest average score since 1920.

The Dees failed to crack 100 points under Roos last year, ranking last in attack and kicking less than six goals in six matches.

But forward Jack Watts said the swift ball movement and wealth of scoring options which wowed fans against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday had been a focus of summer.

“Goody’s been unreal. He’s come in and brought that offensive ball movement focus and obviously Roosy is very defensive, so it’s really held us in good stead,” Watts told the Herald Sun.

Jack Watts, seen here with teammate Rohan Bail, is enjoying Simon Goodwin’s attacking input. Picture: Getty Images

“Goody’s been great, he’s really supportive as well and very good with the boys and he’ll be super going forward.

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“He’s been super and with him and Roosy working together, it’s a pretty good mix for us.

“We’re feeling really good and not putting any limits on what we can do.”

The Demons booted through six second-quarter goals in Ballarat and while they faded fast in the second half, Watts was substituted into the match and kicked two goals including the sealer.

The often maligned No. 1 pick also said this summer had been his happiest in seven AFL seasons.

“Personally it’s the best feeling I’ve had in the seven years I’ve been here,” Watts, 23, said.

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“With it being Roosy’s second year we’ve finally had a lot of continuity with our coaching staff and the group that we’ve got.

“And a couple of the guys we brought in are just awesome blokes and also great players, with Jeffy Garlett and H (Heritier Lumumba) and (Sam) Frosty and Benny Newton.

“They’re just ripping fellas and it’s just a really good feeling, but we’ve got to keep working hard, we’re still obviously a long way off.”

Saturday marked Watts’ return after a pre-season plagued by groin injuries and he said he felt like a “kid in a candy store”.

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He expects to play about three quarters against Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, the perfect platform for the Demons to show off their improved scoring prowess against the almost entirely depleted Bombers.

“I think I will play more up forward, I can try and concentrate on presenting as a target and if we can get Hoges and Dawesy (firing) it’s starting to look pretty potent, isn’t it?

“That’s where I’ll play and then maybe Aaron Vandenberg can sort of mix and match a bit with what I do.”

Originally published as Simon Goodwin driving Melbourne’s push for greater attack during its NAB Challenge campaign