Watts rested, not dropped
Neil Craig says Jack Watts is suffering hamstring soreness and will be rested this week
JACK Watts has not been dropped to the VFL as reported, but will miss Friday night's NAB Cup clash with Port Adelaide because of hamstring soreness, Melbourne coaching director Neil Craig has said.
Watts, who has come under fire for a perceived lack of intensity, had just 10 disposals and kicked two of Melbourne's six goals in the club's 79-point loss to Hawthorn last week.
Speaking on 3AW, Craig admitted Watts' form had been a subject of discussion among selectors, but revealed the decision was ultimately taken out of their hands.
Craig confirmed that the 20-year-old was suffering hamstring soreness that first became apparent in the second half against the Hawks.
"When the medical report came in, all discussion (about Watts' spot) ended," Craig said.
"Jack's not playing anywhere this weekend … to make sure that he gets himself right."
During the interview, Craig also:
• MADE no apology for the tough new program ushered in by coach Mark Neeld, amid whispers that some Melbourne players were finding it difficult to cope.
• DECLARED the methods employed by Collingwood president and media personality Eddie McGuire to score a television interview with troubled Melbourne star Liam Jurrah should never again be allowed to eventuate.
• REVEALED Jurrah understood that his recent behaviour was unacceptable.
Craig dismissed talk that Neeld's program was too demanding.
"Some players will think it's absolutely fantastic (and) some will struggle big time," he said.
"I often used to say when I was the coach of the Adelaide Football Club, 'I don’t make any apologies for creating a club that's not for everyone.' And that's certainly the path that the Melbourne Football Club is going down.
"We don’t want it to be for everyone. There will be high standards that need to be met … and I know Mark would not make any apology for that.
"I think people need to give Mark and (high performance manager) Dave Misson, in particular, more credit from where they've come from and the expertise they've been able to develop. I mean both come out of very successful environments."
Craig also questioned McGuire's actions in gaining an interview with Jurrah that screened on Fox Footy.
"It was a new one for me. I've never seen that before … talking to players without going through a protocol," he said.
"That certainly happened without the knowledge or understanding and approval of the Melbourne Football Club.
"(The club) was disappointed (and) I think it's made that aware to the appropriate people involved.
"Hopefully we get a situation where it doesn’t happen again."
Craig, who spent some time with Jurrah and his family earlier in the day, disclosed that the 23-year-old was under no illusions as to how his actions were viewed by the club.
"Liam is very clear that the club is in total support of him … he understands that his behaviour when he was in the Northern Territory is not up to the standard to play winning AFL football.