Dees want Watts to lift performance in AFL

Often-maligned Melbourne forward Jack Watts has been told to lift his performance after a poor start to the AFL pre-season.

The former No.1 draft pick is coming off a season in which he finally managed to harness his considerable talent and finished in the top five in the Demons' best-and-fairest count.

But he was left out of Saturday's pre-season opener against the Western Bulldogs after being overtaken in the Melbourne's pecking order.

The Demons have denied that Watts showed up out of shape or presented attitude problems but admit he hasn't performed as well as some of his younger teammates.

Key defender Tom McDonald says Watts has since lifted his standards and will be considered to play against Carlton on Sunday.

"Jack's had a really good two or three weeks and understands what's required to be selected in the team," McDonald said on Tuesday.

"He's probably really improved in the last few weeks and he's in line to play again soon.

"I think it was just realigning what's important for the team ... understanding that there's roles that have to be played and it's not about kicking goals and getting touches, it's about doing the things that are required for the team."

Watts didn't miss a game in 2016, kicking 38 goals and often working as a link-man for spearhead Jesse Hogan.

But after a strong pre-season from the likes of Aaron Vandenberg and Sam Weideman, he is no certainty to be picked when Melbourne begin their season proper against St Kilda on March 25.

The 25-year-old has faced immense scrutiny after being picked ahead of West Coast superstar Nic Naitanui in a deep 2008 draft which also featured All-Australians Dan Hannebery, Rory Sloane, Steele Sidebottom and Dayne Beams.

Demons ruckman Max Gawn on Tuesday backed Watts to continue his strong 2016 form, saying he expected him to play in at least one of the two remaining pre-season matches.

"The Jack Watts we saw last year will be the Jack Watts we see this year," he told SEN radio.