Watts trained on Saturday morning but was again surplus to needs in the afternoon as the Demons beat Carlton in the JLT Community Series by 54 points at Casey Fields.

The former No.1 draft pick has been overlooked for both of the Demons' JLT series games to date. Melbourne face West Coast in their final pre-season game on Thursday week in Perth, ahead of a round one date with St Kilda.

While the Demons criticised some of the media speculation surrounding Watts' omission earlier in the week, Goodwin wouldn't publicly guarantee the forward's return for the match against the Eagles. "From all reports he trained really strongly, so once again it'll be discussed heavily at match committee," Goodwin said.

While Goodwin was complimentary of Watts' work ethic at training of late, he was cryptic when describing what Watts needed to do better to work his way back into the senior side. "It's interesting. There's obviously been a lot of talk about Jack and what we're trying to create is that real competitiveness for spots, and he's no different. He's no different to any other player on our list. But what I do know with Jack is that when we get Jack back in the team we're going to have a really good player.

"He's certainly trained to a higher level over the last two or three weeks and he'll just have to be ready when that opportunity arises.

"I think we know Jack's got a lot of quality, and he can play the game. There's no doubt about that. But what we are trying to create is that we want people that can do it all the time, and play to that intensity all the time."

The Demons list looks as deep as it has been in more than a decade, and Goodwin looks likely to get his wish of competition for spots. He said Dean Kent and Dom Tyson are both likely to be available to face the Eagles following injuries during the pre-season. Neville Jetta – another experienced player – is also in the mix. However small forward Jeff Garlett probably won't be available until the season proper following a recent hamstring injury.

Blues coach Brendon Bolton was upbeat despite the nine-goal defeat, noting the experimental nature of what was his side's first match during the JLT series. "We had some inconsistencies in the game but a really good opportunity to try some different things," Bolton said.

Unfortunately though for Carlton fringe ruckman Daniel Gorringe hurt his Achilles tendon during the match. The former Gold Coast big man has had Achilles tendon troubles before, with Bolton saying that he would be assessed during the week.

Bolton praised off-season recruit Caleb Marchbank after his first game for the club. The defender had 18 disposals and took 10 marks, having been traded from Greater Western Sydney in October. "He went back with the flight on a few occasions to try to intercept and try to dash out of there. I think he'll be a good long-term player for us," Bolton said.

Carlton will play a weakened side next Saturday against St Kilda before picking close to their best available team to face Fremantle in Perth the following Friday night. Bolton said gun midfielder Patrick Cripps would likely feature before the end of the pre-season series, having missed the Demons match following a back injury late last year.