NEVILLE Jetta says he “couldn’t be happier” to remain a Demon for at least the next two years, after it was announced on Tuesday that he had inked a new deal for the 2015-16 seasons.
Jetta said he was looking forward to playing under coach Paul Roos for another two seasons and building on his fine form this year. It’s an outstanding reversal of form, after he was delisted almost 12 months ago, before gaining a reprieve via last November’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft, as he explained.
“Last year was a pretty tough year for myself and for my family. Footy wasn’t going my way and my form wasn’t great and my injuries played a part in that,” he told Dee TV.
“It wasn’t a great time in my career or in my life as well. Getting delisted and being a rookie for the club was good and bad at the same time, but I just used that opportunity to showcase my ability and work as hard as I possibly can to show what footy I could play.
“I’ve definitely tried to do that this year and it’s definitely helped in getting this new contract now.”
Jetta said a meeting with Roos at the end of last season helped turn his career around.
“After the season, when Roosy came on board, I sat down and spoke to him and the coaches about my role and what they wanted me to be in the team,” he said.
“I went away and thought about it and they said they wanted to rookie me. I was pretty happy because I didn’t want my career to end.
“I thought about how best I can fit that role that they want me to play. It’s all about fitness and working with the backline coaches and the rest of the team.
Jetta said settling down back had “definitely” helped his game this year.
“Having a role really simplifies everything for myself – just going out and beating my opponent and then trying to win the ball after that,” he said.
“I’ve definitely enjoyed it and I’ll continue to enjoy it as well.”
Jetta, who has played 54 AFL matches, including 13 so far this year, said building continuity in his game after several injury-riddled seasons had also played a significant part in his improvement this year.
“It definitely does give you doubts on your ability and your enjoyment on the game as well,” he said.
“You’ve just got to keep fronting up every day and keep working as hard as we possibly can and that’s what I try to do.
“I knew I could play footy at the top level and I didn’t want to lose that belief that I had whilst being injured.”
Jetta said it was comforting that his next two years were locked away.
“It’s a bit of security for my young family,” he said.
“It’s two years to really knuckle down and help the team get to where we want to be.
“Roosy has done a great job already, but we want to be a lot better than what we are at the moment. The boys are working pretty hard and we want to get Melbourne back to the top.”
