Demons will do their best to keep Watts

May 23, 2013 - 1:04 AM Melbourne coach Mark Neeld isn't surprised other AFL clubs are queuing up to poach Jack Watts but says the Demons will do whatever they can to keep him.

The 2008 No.1 draft pick is reportedly set to request a trade at season's end, seeking a fresh start after a tumultuous beginning to his career at the embattled club.

He has been linked to Fremantle although another seven clubs are believed to be chasing the defender.

Colin Sylvia and James Frawley are two other high profile Demons off contract.

"We'll do our best to sign those lads up," Neeld said.

"Those three guys, they're good players, and I fully understand why all 18 list management groups would be discussing all players out of contract."

"They're certainly required players here and we'll do what we can to keep them here, absolutely."

Neeld said it wasn't a Melbourne specific issue, with all AFL clubs negotiating to keep their players.

Watts is expected to return to the side from a hamstring injury to take on the Dockers on Sunday pending his recovery from their Thursday training session.

"It would be good," Neeld said.

"It's a long ground, Subiaco. We know he's a really good user of the footy so if we can get the ball in his hands off half-back that could help us."

The Demons delivered an improved performance in their 34-point loss to Richmond last round with Neeld pin-pointing a few areas they had made progress on.

"Contested ball is a focus for us - there was a much better return in that area.

"In combative areas we were much better.

"For three quarters we competed really well with the clearances to give ourselves a chance."

Source: AAP