JACK Watts hasn’t had a drop in confidence despite being used as a substitute, according to teammate Jack Grimes.

Speaking at AAMI Park on Monday, the day after Melbourne’s 90-point win against Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba, Grimes said Watts was still positive despite being used as a sub in the past two matches.

“His confidence is better than what people think it is. He’s a confident kid and he trains really well and he’s been up and about the last few weeks,” he said.  

“He’s just struggled to put in the consistent efforts throughout the games. Even though he only played a quarter yesterday (Sunday), he was good when he came on.

“I think he’ll be pretty confident going into the week off.”

Watts was subbed off for Cale Morton in round three and started as a sub against the Suns. The 2008 No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick came on for Liam Jurrah in the final quarter, collecting six disposals.

Grimes said Watts made a contribution in his limited time against Gold Coast.

“There is a lot of pressure on Wattsy. There has been since he got drafted. I think overall he’s handled it pretty well, but obviously this week was a bit hard starting as the sub,” he said.

“But to his credit, he stayed positive and when he came on, he had a real impact.

“He took about five marks in the last quarter, so it was good from him to stay positive and go out strong.”

Grimes said Jurrah was replaced by Watts to give the Walpiri Wizard a breather.

“He got subbed off in the end, but it was nothing too serious,” he said.

“More than anything, it was to give him a bit of a rest, but he’s fine at the moment.”

Meanwhile, Grimes said the break had come at an opportune time for the Demons.

“It’s a good time to freshen up … because you get a few games in and everyone starts to get a little bit sore,” he said.

“We’re playing Thursday (March 28), so it’s not a huge week off. But it’ll be good to get a break and get away for a little bit.

“There are a few things we want to work out on the track and we’ll have the opportunity to do that, because we have more time to recover.”