JACK Watts says there’s no point reacting to critics who now praise him for his fine form, despite having copped a barrage of criticism for much of his career. 

Watts, who signed a new three-year contract on Thursday, during the best season of his career, said he was no longer fazed by the scrutiny that has dominated much of his playing days with Melbourne.

“A few years ago I might have [let it get to me], but I’ve let all of that go – that’s for sure,” he told Melbourne TV with a smile.

“That’s something that’s helped me so much this year – relaxing a lot more and not worrying too much about what people are saying or think.

“You pick your select few that you get in your corner and you go with them along the journey. You trust what they say and what they’re telling you. I don’t spend too much time worrying about other people at the moment.”

Watts said learning to be under the microscope – after being the first selection in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft – was all part of the game. 

“I think that’s what it is really – one big journey. You’re not going to have great times all of the time,” he said.

“We’ve had some tough ones, so for me, I look at myself to be in a really fortunate position at the moment. I’m probably coming into the prime of my career, as a 25-year-old, and I think the club is ready to explode as well.

“The main thing is that I’ll look back and have a beer and a laugh about it all, but at this stage, what we really want to do is achieve something as a team, which we haven’t been able to do since I’ve been here.

“That’s what excites me and that’s what I’m looking at, at the moment.”

Watts, who has kicked 31 goals so far this year – his best effort in a season, said he was relishing playing the game.

“It’s a great game when things are going well,” he said.

“It does affect your life and that’s the thing – it’s a 24/7 job and when times are tough and you’re losing most weeks, it gets a bit cold and lonely.

“It enables you to open up a bit, be yourself, relax a bit more and have a bit more fun. The guys at this club deserve it more than anyone, so I’m really happy for the club and everyone involved, as there are such great signs for the future.”

And he said he was particularly excited about the club’s younger brigade.

“These guys are in their 10^th or 15^th game and I think back to when I was playing my 10^th or 15^th game and I had no idea what I was doing,” he said.

“It’s really exciting to see these young guys develop and hopefully for me, [I’ll] be a really strong part of that.”