No added pressure on Watts, says Bailey - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

No added pressure on Watts, says Bailey

14/05/2010 03:37:13 PM Comments (0)

Melbourne's emphasis on multiple scoring options is the perfect scenario for Jack Watts as he makes his much-anticipated AFL return.

The 2008 No.1 draft pick will be the centre of attention at the MCG on Saturday when the Demons host West Coast.

Adding to the hype, the Eagles will feature Nic Naitanui, the second pick in the 2008 draft.

While this will be Watts' first senior game of the season after an interrupted pre-season, Naitanui has already become a star.

Melbourne stress that Watts is a long-term key forward project.

Injuries have forced the Demons to spread the scoring load and they have done it to great effect, winning three out of seven games and losing two others by less than a goal.

It means Watts can ease back into the team, without the expectation that he is the "big banana" in attack who must kick a bag of goals.

"We've shown over the last two or three weeks, we've had a number of multiple goalkickers," said Melbourne coach Dean Bailey.

"I don't think we can rely on a single player up forward to kick the majority of our goals - it will happen at times, but it's certainly not an intention.

"The mobility is a great strength for what we have at the moment.

"If we can get a spread of goalkickers and if our forwards are involved in the movement coming inside 50, but also setting up scoring assists, whoever kicks them, it doesn't matter."

Bailey acknowledged the Watts hype, but said his only instructions to the 19-year-old would be to follow team rules and work hard.

The Demons coach said the reason for Watts' recall was simple - he had earnt it with good VFL form.

"I understand the questions about Jack, but he's one of 22 and we're just expecting him to go out there and play," Bailey said.

"I hope he goes out there and plays well and contributes, just like everyone else."

Bailey also has a pragmatic view of the Watts versus Naitanui speculation.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Jack play well, I'm not looking forward to seeing `Nata' play well, no," Bailey said.

"He's certainly a unique player, Nic, and we hope he doesn't have a good game tomorrow."

It will be a landmark day for the Demons - Bailey noted that this will be the first time Watts and last year's two top draft picks, Tom Scully and Jack Trengove, play in the same AFL match.

Naitanui and Dean Cox will have an intriguing ruck duel against Mark Jamar and his deputy, Paul Johnson.

Meanwhile, Melbourne have re-signed impressive defender James Frawley to a four-year contract.

The deal will keep Frawley at Melbourne at least until the end of 2014, ruling out the prospect of him joining new AFL clubs Gold Coast or Greater Western Sydney when they enter the competition.

Frawley, 21, is the nephew of former St Kilda captain and ex-Richmond coach Danny Frawley.

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