CO-CAPTAIN Nathan Jones says there is no doubt Melbourne has played some of its best football this season with Jack Watts and Sam Frost in the team, but he added that the squad had developed to the point where no spot in the 22 was guaranteed.
Jones said Watts and Frost, who were omitted last round, along with Christian Salem and Corey Maynard, were important players, but several others had forced their way into the side through strong VFL performances.
“The luxury we do have is that we are able to move guys around and we’ve got some versatility now and we proved that with the way we structured up [last round],” he said at AAMI Park on Wednesday.
Jones said the focus shouldn’t have been just on Watts last week, as it was also the first time this year Frost and Salem had been left out of the side. For Maynard, he went out of the team after making his AFL debut against the Giants in Canberra.
“We dropped four players from the week before and Jack was one of those players. He had some things to work on and so did the other three players that missed as well,” he said.
“We’ve got a VFL side that’s in terrific form and Wattsy was a contributor again on the weekend.
“We’ve got a handful of guys that are playing themselves into some pretty good form as well. Billy Stretch has been terrific and Ben Kennedy has been terrific, so we’ve got pressure for spots – there’s no doubt about that, but I think that’s a good thing.”
Jones praised the likes of Cam Pedersen, who claimed career-best disposals (26) and kicked two goals, playing forward and ruck, and added that Watts knew what he had to do to return to the team.
“The expectation is placed on a guy like Cam Pedersen and you saw the performance he put out on the weekend – that leaves us in a terrific position as a club,” he said.
“Jack’s clear on what he’s got to do and what we require from him and he’ll continue to work on that. I have no doubt he’ll put his hand up for selection with a few of his performances.”
Meanwhile, Jones said utility Tom Bugg hadn’t put a foot wrong during his time on the sidelines, following a six-match suspension.
“It was a difficult period for him earlier, but I could not question his commitment to the team or his own preparation in performance,” he said.
“He was well aware of having to earn some respect and some trust and he has not put a foot wrong in six weeks that he’s been out.
“He’s really led the way with the way he’s performed on the training track and he’s got really involved in each player and some of our younger players – and taking on some new leadership roles and opportunities.
“I’m excited for him and the chance to get back out there and perform. I think that’s all he’s going to be looking forward to and preparing himself for. From there, he’ll let his actions do the talking on the field and hopefully find himself back in contention.”
