ADVICE from former Melbourne coach Paul Roos helped convince Jack Watts to start the next chapter of his career at Port Adelaide.

Watts was put on the trade table by the Demons last October and the former No.1 draft pick met with Geelong, Sydney and the Power before nominating the South Australian club as his new home.

The 26-year-old, who credits Roos for saving his career during his three-season coaching stint, revealed his old mentor helped sway him towards the Power. 

"I stayed in pretty constant contact with 'Roosy' and (wife) Tami, they're just a beautiful family," Watts told SEN. 

"He's just a legend. 

"Leading into the decision I was speaking to him a fair bit and weighing up our options and I was letting him know what was going on. 

"He thought the same as I did and thought Port Adelaide would be a great move and really good for me personally and my footy." 

The Demons paid part of Watts' salary to get the deal over the line in exchange for pick No.31 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, which they used on mature-age forward Bayley Fritsch. 

While Melbourne's decision to let Watts go divided supporters, the 153-game forward is relishing a new start working under Ken Hinkley and alongside the likes of Power star Robbie Gray. 

"To be honest, the reason I chose Port was to probably get the best out of my football and it was the place I thought I'd enjoy my football the most," Watts said.

"A big thing for me was just the people that I met leading up to the decision.

"I just couldn’t fault Port Adelaide at all."