Speaking about the recalled Watts at AAMI Park on Friday, Neeld said everyone had an opinion on where the 2008 No.1 NAB AFL Draft should play. But he was adamant Watts’ versatility had now become an important part of his game.
“Well, it depends, which radio station or newspaper you read,” Neeld said, when posed where Watts would line-up.
“Jack can play anywhere from the ruck to full-forward to full-back to the middle, so we’ll just see how we go.
“Again, no matter where the coaching group decides to play him, there will be a number of journalists who will say ‘gee, that’s a really good idea’. And there will be just as many who will say ‘gee, they missed an opportunity and he should’ve played here and played there’.
“He’ll play wherever we put him, I reckon.”
After playing the opening five matches of the season, Watts returned to the VFL, where he played the past two games for Casey.
Neeld said Watts had done everything possible to return to the AFL.
“Jack went back to the VFL to work on a couple of things,” he said.
“He has done that and he’s also played really well and got a lot of the footy and he was really damaging with it.
“His attitude and his training are really at a high standard and some of the extra things that we see - that supporters and journalists don’t get to see - they’re starting to pay off.”
Neeld was also pleased with the form of Mitch Clark, who has been one of the brightest sparks in Melbourne’s season.
“He’s been in pretty good nick, Mitch,” he said.
“If we need him in the ruck, he’ll go in the ruck, but most of his time is as a key forward and he’s playing pretty well.
“The longer we can leave him up there, the more chance we have of kicking a winning score.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s twilight clash against Sydney Swans at the SCG, Neeld said it would be a challenge against the Swans.
“We’re really pleased with the side that we’ve selected,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to heading up to Sydney and giving it our best shot.
“Every time groups of coaches pick a side, you think you’ve picked the side. You pick a side to win every week.
“Every match committee you leave, you think, that’s the best side for this year and you do it week after week.”
