MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey has defended his club's handling of Jack Watts in the face of the intense media scrutiny that has followed the 18-year-old's debut.

Just two games into his AFL career, the form of the No.1 pick in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft has sparked much discussion, but Bailey is unfazed by the debate over Watts' readiness for the big time.

"That just comes with the territory. Jack's a high-profile player... so he's obviously going to be scrutinised. That's what comes with playing AFL footy now," he said at Junction Oval on Thursday.

"He gets the focus because he's the No.1 draft pick. Management of him over the next couple of weeks and the rest of the year is going to be important.

"We understand the player, we understand the pressure on him, and we understand his schooling commitments.

"None of that's changed how we're going to manage him. We'll do the best for Jack and the club."

Watts has remained unaffected by the discussion on the merits of his first two performances, according to Bailey.

Despite kicking two goals against the Bombers last week, the coach refused to confirm on Thursday morning whether Watts had done enough to make the trip with the team to play the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Statistically speaking at least, Liam Jurrah's debut wasn't a great deal different to that of Watts, but the response to the 2009 NAB AFL Pre-season Draft pick-up's first game has been a lot more positive.

Bailey liked what he saw from the 20-year-old and revealed he would be given the opportunity to build on his first-up effort against the Lions.

"He doesn't give away much, Liam, but when he smiles you know he's pretty happy and he's been smiling most of the week. I take that as he's ready to go again Saturday night," he said.

"I think he showed a bit of excitement and it was great to see him kick that goal the way he did. He's another player who needs another couple of pre-seasons into him because he's basically come off a zero pre-season base for this year.   

"He's got a lot of upside, Liam, he's an exciting player and we hope that he can produce on Saturday night, but his game last Friday night was a great experience for him.

"Considering where he's from (Yuenduma) it's a nice story, but he got picked because he was playing well."