MELBOURNE player/coach performance manager Brendan McCartney provides an update on all 45 players in the lead-up to the 2017 season. Be sure to check back each day for most of January, as we present this year’s squad …

Jack Watts

Jack’s really keen to build on – I’m not sure it was a breakout year – but a turning point in his career. He has a great love for his teammates and loves the team environment and brings a real energy to what we do here every day at the footy club. Our feeling is that we haven’t seen the best of Jack yet, but it’s close. His commitment – and our commitment to Jack – is that what he showed last year becomes the norm this year and that is that he’s ‘thereabouts’ every game.

Sam Weideman

Sam has filled out nicely again. There is still some development to go with Sam, but it’s pretty clear that you could see his football talent in the first couple of games he played. He did run into some strong opponents on very difficult days, when we didn’t play our best footy, but he’s got a real drive to get better. He’s competitive and for a young forward, he’s not afraid to put his body in, which is a great quality in a young player. We’ll set him up for a fantastic career.

Mitch White

Mitch has improved again. He’s showed progressive signs again, playing at Casey. Mitch is really clear about what he wants to be and how he’s going to get there. He’s one of a batch of medium-sized defenders, who we’ve got quite a few of, and he deserves to make it, because he invests and gives. Mitch is a hard-worker and prepares well. He does everything to the best of his ability and he’s a good young fella.