MELBOURNE is hopeful Jack Watts will play in round one but says the emerging key forward will determine his own availability.

Watts, the No.1 pick in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, had a delayed start to pre-season training because of illness and is now entering a full program after making considerable ground over the Christmas and New Year break.

Assistant coach Mark Williams said it was unclear if Watts, who has worked hard in the gym to add size to his developing frame, would be considered for the Demons' NAB Cup opener against Fremantle on February 21.

"We're hoping he can keep improving his body and his fitness and his knowledge of what we require him to do," Williams told melbournefc.com.au.

"Hopefully his ability will be able to bring him into the fold and put him up for selection early in the season ... whether he's right for round one will be up to him."

The club has continued its patient approach with the 18-year-old, who was heavily scrutinised by the media in his three AFL games in 2009.

Watts went from being the country's best young prospect to a high-profile investment in the Demons' future.

Days after being drafted in November 2008, he was handed the No.4 guernsey worn by club legend Norm Smith.

Watts had dominated for Brighton Grammar, TAC Cup side Sandringham Dragons and Vic Metro in the under-18 championships, but then juggled his adjustment to AFL level with his final year of VCE studies.

Williams said Watts still needed to handle what was expected of him from those both inside and outside the club.

"The big thing with Jack is he's got to understand it's always been easy for him to be the best player," he said.

"He's only had to improve a little bit each time to be the best player.

"Now the challenge for Jack is to be able to improve as much as he can to be one of the really good players in our team."

This time last year, Watts and fellow draftee Sam Blease were eased into a 10-week conditioning program with the view that they wouldn't play at any level until mid-April.

The third youngest player on an AFL list, he made his Melbourne debut in the Queen's Birthday clash with Collingwood in June and sat a school exam the next day.

"Everyone's got to remember he was still a very young player drafted," Williams continued.

"He had a bit of education to do last year outside footy and within footy as well. It's a big step for anyone, not just a young fella coming into the AFL.

"We're just bringing him along at the pace we need him to and hopefully with his ability he can prove to be a good player this year for us."