Watts isn't "ruthless" says Dees CEO

Melbourne CEO Peter Jackson says fan favourite Jack Watts will be better off playing at a club where he does not face the pressure of being the number one draft pick.

After 153 games, Watts was traded to Port Adelaide in exchange for Pick 31 during last week’s NAB AFL Trade Period.

He believes that while Watts is a “great guy” he is not “ruthless” on the field.

“Jack’s not a ruthless guy, he’s not a ruthless person when he plays football. He’s a great guy, absolutely, there’s no doubt about that, everyone loves him, we all love him as a guy,” Jackson said on SEN Breakfast.

“I think he’s had unbelievable pressure put on him since he’s been at the Melbourne footy club and people would say he’s dealt with that, he may have dealt with it, but it’s like some players who have left Melbourne to go to Sydney to get away from it all.

“I think there’s a strong argument that Jack will be better off where he’s not Jack Watts at the Melbourne football club - he’s just another player.

“I’ve heard him say at times, ‘I just wish I was pick 48’. I think that’s the calibre of player he’s been, he hasn’t been that number one draft pick, his performance, his stats don’t indicate he was the number one draft pick.

“I think it’s probably a good thing for him.”

Despite Watts being placed up for trade, Jackson said there is no animosity between the club and the 26-year old, declaring he will always be a part of the Demons family.

“These things get messy outwardly when they end up in the public space…but I think internally it's okay,” he said.

“I’m going to catch up with him when he comes back from overseas, I don’t think there’s going to be any animosity over all of this.

“He will always be a Melbourne person, I have no doubt he will come back to Melbourne and be a part of the Melbourne football club.”