MELBOURNE forward Jack Watts says outgoing Demons coach Paul Roos “saved his career”.

Watts has played under five senior coaches in his oft-criticised career since being taken with pick one in the 2008 national draft.

Roos took over in 2014 and Watts believes his man-management has been key in the Demons’ ascension up the ladder.

“Roosy’s probably saved my career, to be honest,” he told AFL Tonight.

Round 18

“It’s his person skills and the way he actually invests in his players outside of football.

“We’re not just pieces of meat on his team but he really cares about us as people, and I think that’s what’s turned the club around and got us on a good page to go forward.”

Watts believes he is set to sign a new deal to stay at Melbourne over the coming weeks, saying that he would have had talks with the club during the bye week if not for one slight issue.

“It would be (a good time) but my manager’s actually overseas enjoying himself,” Watts said.

“I think that’ll take care of itself over the next few weeks.”

Asked whether he will be signing a four-year deal, Watts seemed optimistic.

“That’d be great but I’m not sure what we’ll get to in the end,” he said.

“It’s a pretty great place to be at the moment.”