MELBOURNE chief executive Peter Jackson says he would be surprised if Jack Watts was not at the Demons next year.

 

Earlier this week, Watts' manager Paul Connors said the out-of-contract Demon was prepared to wait until the end of the year to finalise his contract plans for 2014.

 

Interim Demons coach Neil Craig chatted with Watts following the reports, but said he had no real qualms with the former No.1 draft pick's stance.

 

Asked on SEN whether Watts would be with Melbourne next season, Jackson was positive.

 

"I've had a couple of conversations with Jack, already, and I think in the last four or five weeks, I think he feels a bit better in his head," Jackson said.

 

"But he's made a commitment early in the year to wait until the end of the year (to decide his contract status).

 

"I think he's a lot better in his mind and his form over the last four or five weeks has shown that."

 

Jackson admitted the uncertainty surrounding Melbourne's coaching appointment and the construction of the club's board is likely to have delayed Watts' plans.

 

But Jackson said he was confident that Watts is in for the long haul.

 

"I think Jack's head is in a lot better space than it might have been earlier this year," he said.