AS NEVILLE Jetta prepares to enter his 10^th AFL season, it’s fair to say his reputation as a player in the game has never been more recognised than it is now.  

And even then, the 116-gamer is still somewhat underrated by those outside of the red and blue family, despite an outstanding 2017 season, which included All-Australian squad selection and Australian representation against Ireland in the International Rules Series.

And while he is proud of his senior standing in the Melbourne team – he recently turned 28 years old – Jetta said he’s eager to build on last year, which saw him play every home and away game for the first time in a season.

“I definitely see myself as a more experienced player going into the year. We’ve got an improving backline and I feel like my experiences, composure and leadership can definitely help us improve,” he told Melbourne Media.

“I’ve got a lot of people around me to keep me level-headed. I’m one not to dwell on the past – I know how quickly the game can change and I’m thankful for every opportunity I receive.

“I’m just looking forward to building on the season I had and improving, because you don’t want to put a ceiling on it. I just want to have some success at the footy club – that’s what I’m looking forward to and enjoying it with the boys.”

And Jetta said there was no reason why he couldn’t match his 2017 season or better it this year.

“I feel like I’ve had a bit better pre-season than last year – on and off the field, aside from a little niggle,” he said.

“I had a niggle last year and that was a bit worse, but I’m looking forward to backing it up and going from there.”

Jetta said he had seen improvement among a host of players over the summer, highlighting Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Alex Neal-Bullen, as prime examples.

And while he’s eager for his team to start 2018 on a high, Jetta stressed that Melbourne’s season-opener against Geelong Cats at the MCG was “not the be all or end all” and that it was all about building week-by-week.

“Round one is always built-up – it’s almost like a Grand Final, sometimes. Everyone’s got hope for the year. Internally, we’ve just been trying to build and our players have been trying to build since we’ve got back,” he said.

“What happened last year has happened. We’re just trying to focus on improving and winning games of footy. If we’re lucky enough, we’ll get our chance to compete in September.

“I’m sure the coaches will keep us focused, because it’s a long season ahead. No one can guarantee you anything, so we’ve got a ‘heads down, bump up’ attitude and we’ll keep working hard together.”

Meanwhile, Jetta said he was proud to be an ambassador for ‘Reach’, the youth not-for-profit organisation established by the late, great Jim Stynes and film director Paul Currie in 1994.

It was created to help inspire every young person to believe in themselves and get the most out of life. 

The ‘Round for Reach’ is being celebrated in round one and Jetta couldn’t speak highly enough of the work it had achieved in the community.

“Since I’ve been drafted, Reach has always been connected to the footy club, through Jimmy, who was the one that really brought it to life and really wanted to connect to young people,” he said.

“Our game’s able to connect with all people and can bring people together – and that’s what sport can do – but it’s also what Reach can do. They’re unbelievable and I’ve been lucky enough to see it done for many years.

“To be involved in it from a playing group and football club – it’s been enjoyable from a team and individual perspective. And to experience it firsthand and see what they can do for you as a person and as a player is great.”