IN FORM Demon Jack Watts says he never doubted his ability, but added that a recent stint with Casey has helped progress his career.

The 21 year-old, who was dropped for rounds six and seven, said being omitted wasn’t due to his work ethic issue, but rather so he could find some confidence via the VFL. 

“I think it was the best thing for me - going back down and getting a bit of confidence and getting the footy in your hands and feeling like you can have an impact on a game,” he said.

“That was the main thing, and it was certainly the smartest and best option for me.”

Watts, who has arguably been Melbourne’s best player across the past three rounds, said he was enjoying playing down back.

“I’m enjoying it down back, but it’s what the coaches have asked me to do and I’m more than happy to get there,” he said.

“I find that the ball coming towards me is helping me, and I can read the play better from down back.

“I’m certainly still open to whatever the coach would like.”

Reflecting on last round’s opening win of the season against Essendon, Watts said the players always had belief that “something had to turn”.

“The boys were pretty pumped after the win, but we all know that we have won one game,” he said.

“We want to turn this into a bit of momentum going forward.”

He said that one of the most pleasing aspects from last Saturday night’s win over Essendon was seeing Mark Neeld gain his first win as senior coach.

“As the coach of it, a lot of it falls on him unfairly, so to be able to get a win for him and the joy of that we had together was good,” Watts said.

Watts said it was important Melbourne produced another four quarter effort - regardless of the result against Collingwood this Monday in the traditional Queen’s Birthday clash.

“To be honest, I’m sure if we come out this week and lose, it’ll all be back on, so we’ve just got to keep doing exactly the same - preparing really well and enjoy the footy and enjoy winning,” he said.

“That’s what we play for.”

Watts, who made his AFL debut in the corresponding match in 2009, said it had been a journey for him since he was tackled vigorously by three Magpies when he first came onto the ground.  

“It’s a memory and I’ll remember it forever, but in terms of getting something out of it - not a whole lot,” he said.

Watts said it had been a journey since that match and he was now looking forward to making an impact in this year’s match.

“It’s a great occasion,” he said.

“Hopefully there will be a huge crowd there and we can come ready to play and put up a really good effort.”