Melbourne interim coach Neil Craig has backed Jack Watts despite the utility's uncertainty about whether he wants to stay at the Demons.
The 2008 number one draft pick was unconvincing when quizzed about his future on The Footy Show on Thursday night.
Watts, 22, is out of contract at the end of the season and will wait until then to make a decision.
Asked whether he thought he would stay, Watts sounded uncertain and said there was a lot for him to consider.
"That's the decision I've got to make. At the end of the year I'll weigh everything up," Watts said.
"There's no doubt I love the club and I love the boys."
Craig has consistently said the Demons needed to create an environment which would help convince Watts to stay at the club.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Craig said he understood why Watts was unconvincing when asked about his future.
"I wouldn't have thought Jack would have taken a position where he wanted to be convincing to stay or go because he probably doesn't know," Craig said.
"I don't know how he could be convincing either way."
Craig is eager for Watts, who has shown glimpses of form in the past month, to remain at the Demons, even if the former Adelaide coach is not in charge next season.
"I see him as a really important player for Melbourne. I've really enjoyed the way he has played. He's got great flexibility," Craig said.
"I see Jack Watts as a critical player for our club to keep and I think he can have a very successful and enjoyable career at Melbourne."