WHILE outside observers continue to put every Jack Watts game under the microscope, his coach Mark Neeld has stood up strongly for the 20-year-old forward after round two of the NAB Cup.

"I see Jack as a very talented young footballer who has played 40 games … people talk about his whole career - his whole career is about two years long," Neeld said.

Watts gathered just seven possessions in Melbourne's nine-point victory against Collingwood and took one contested mark early in the game playing as a deep forward.

While the young forward did little to affect the game on the night, Neeld described Watts as a good young talent who continues to develop.

"He has got some special talents," Neeld said. "There are not too many players who can influence a game with low possession counts. I think he can."

That remains to be seen, but the coach's point was clear. Give Watts time and he will become the player Neeld wants him to become. At the moment, his role is to play as a deep forward contesting in the air and on the ground. When he does find his groove, Melbourne will clearly be a stronger unit.

"He is certainly being asked by me to play in a different way to what he has in the past and that's OK," Neeld said. "He's got some tricks and I thought his defensive work tonight was very good."

One player impressing Melbourne with his determination and ambition is rookie-listed midfielder James Magner, who continued to press his claims to be elevated to the senior list.

Teammate Nathan Jones described the 24-year-old's efforts to make the grade as inspiring. He spoke in glowing terms about Magner and fellow in-and-under rookie Tom Couch.

"They are just hungry for an opportunity and they don't leave any stone unturned," Jones said.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs