Tara Murray
Melton’s Jack Watkins continues to press his claims for an opportunity in the AFL after winning back-to-back North Melbourne reserves best and fairests.
The Kangaroos’ Victorian Football League captain finished on 134 votes, 23 clear of Hugh Greenwood for the John Law Medal.
He was a shining light in the midfield, averaging 24.9 disposals and 5.6 inside 50s across 18 games.
It was a big couple of days for Watkins, who was then named in the VFL team of the year for the first time.
He also represented the VFL in a representative game earlier in the season.
Watkins said there was only one other player to have gone back-to-back in the John Law medal.
“It was Clarko [Senior coach Alastair Clarkson],” he said. “It was good.
Watkins said being named in the team of the year was a massive achievement. He said he felt he was still getting better.
He said he improved in his training standards and his leadership in the off season which paid off on field.
“That was good, it’s amazing,” he said. “In terms of team point of view, we didn’t play finals compared to last year, that was a bit annoying.
“I thought I had built on last year and it was a bit better. Everyone wants to play well individually… Try and do my part every week.”
Watkins said it was good to play with AFL calibre players every week, he said with some good young talent.
Having grown up playing footy, Watkins said the goal for him was to still play AFL. He said he hadn’t had many conversations with clubs in relation to making the next step and would love to get an opportunity at a club.
Watkins’ VFL commitments meant he was limited to just two games for Melton this season.
Watkins played all his junior football at Melton South before moving to Melton.
He said it was always good to get back to the Bloods in the Ballarat Football League.
He was set to help the Bloods as runner for the grand final, but had other commitments.
“I made the move a few years ago to play with my brother and a couple of close mates that I grew up with,” he said.
“It is good and refreshing and not as serious and I can have a laugh with my mates.”
Watkins has already signed on for North Melbourne next season.
