Paul Roos says he was 'appalled' by Jack Watts debut and says that won't happen again

PAUL Roos was "appalled" by the way Jack Watts was thrown into AFL football and won't let that happen to this year's rookies.

Melbourne coach Paul Roos is determined to protect his young players. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

PAUL Roos says the cult of the high draft picks as white nights for Melbourne is over, "appalled' at the way Jack Watts debuted on Queens Birthday.

No. 1 draft pick Watts was presented with enormous fanfare to the media before his debut, then was immediately targeted by Collingwood players.

Roos said much-hyped key forward Jesse Hogan was desperate to earn his debut, despite his excellent training form.

He revealed the club's first-round pick Christian Salem had battled a thyroid problem that saw him drop six kilograms pre-Christmas.

HOGAN SET FOR NAB CHALLENGE

He described his recent training form as "exceptional'', but said he was in no rush to throw him into the cut and thrust of senior football.

"I was there that day (when Watts debuted). I was appalled as an opposition coach and amazed. I can guarantee that won't be happening again,'' he said.

Jesse Hogan is expected to make his AFL debut in Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

"The big thing is, we can't reproduce the Watts and Trengove (experience), we can't see these kids as saviours of our footy club, and we can't throw them into roles they are not capable of. I want to see our (experienced) midfielders protecting some of the first and second-year players and if we can do that we are a better footy club in the long term.''

Salem, a damaging ball-carrying midfielder with a lethal left foot, initially battled at training after being taken at pick nine.

"They found out he had a thyroid problem when he first got here, which is why he lost so much weight. He lost 6kg and we looked at him and said, 'What's wrong with this kid'.

He has sorted it out now, but it knocked him around.

"His last four weeks have been exceptional. I must admit I would like not to play him (early). I don't rule him out, but I like the idea of young players learning the craft early and getting good habits. We are at a club which has been scarred with early draft picks and the hype around them.

"He is a different kid (with his body shape since solving the problem), and its reflecting in his training with the talent he's got and I suspect he will be knocking on the door and probably walking through the door. But my expectations, I am not judging you on games you play in your first year, it's your habits and work ethic and relationships."