Had he not snuck into the side in the final game last year vs the dogs, I wonder if we'd be even talking about him.

He was going nowhere last year, but did show something that game as a small defender.

I've never seen that popular badge beside the post before?

How many other secrets in Demonland that are yet to unraveled?

He managed to spoil Elliot while he was going for a hanger last week.

And Crossy won a ruck contest.

Actually Elliot tunnelled/spoiled Howe very well in the first half on QB very well.

I've never seen that popular badge beside the post before?

How many other secrets in Demonland that are yet to unraveled?

My theory is that it only appears beside OPs with lots of likes, but since most threads (let alone OPs) suck we never get to see it.

Two major areas of improvement.

He now keeps his feet and as a result he is winning more than his share of one-on-ones against really dangerous opponents.

He also gets more involved than previously (maturity) and as a result is providing rebound which is great because his kicking skills have always been precise - just previously rarely seen.

The outcome of these two improvements is that he's now the real deal as a defender in the Matty Whelan style.

Sometimes rookie-listing players can have the desired effect in terms of hunger.

But the switch to defence is obviously the biggest factor.

We've had a great year for reincarnations:

Christian Salem is Adem Yze.

JKH is the Wiz.

Howey the defender is Clint Bizzell.

Cam Pedersen is Spud Dullard before he did his knees.

The Russian is also back to being the Russian.

You had me right up until Spud Dullard.

^and a decent run with no injuries.

I get jealous when other people say he's their boy.

when you see what is a humble unpolished piece of a gemstone, don't be hasty judging it poorly. when other sparkly things can turn out to be just made of glass.

If the basics & non negotiable's are there, & the want is there to commit the body to harm for their cause, then you have the foundations of something.

I have to admit for me he was seriously underwhelming until this year. He has been sensational. A big tackling presence for us.

One of Roos' big improvers, and on the evidence of his game against the druggies Jordie Mac might be about to join him, but I don't want to hijack this thread...all hail the Jet.

you must be looking for a pot of gold sitting there for you; instead of closely looking thru the quartz for the real stuff, that with a bit of work, will be a thing of value, tough, nuggety & durable.

Nev had a couple of games last year down back that showed this was the position for him. I think credit to Rawlings for both Dunn and Jetta.

I think also an accountable gamestyle, where the basics are more appreciated than the ability to soar thru the heavens like the rocket man, but have no foundations to stop the opposition.

some players are meat & potatoes footballers & others can be just icing & sparklers. many people tip out the meat & potatoes, & then go straight for the sweets. thats where we've been for 15 + years.

eating cake.

Nev is a 'fair dinkum' footballer who would have slotted into defence equally as well in the 1950s, 1960s and 70s. He has no special 'gifts' as a footballer, but what he lacks in flair, he makes up for in guts and determination, and a fierce desire to make the most of every last little bit he has to offer. Huge testament to Nev and the coaching staff.

Can't really add a lot to what's already been said. But, want to add my esteem for Nev to the thread. To be de-listed, then rookied back, then get upgraded, and to turn it on like he has is just a wonderful story. Says a lot about his character!

Well done, Nev! Long may it continue!

Looking forward to Nev vs Lindsay Thomas next week.

Looking forward to Nev vs Lindsay Thomas next week.

I look forward to seeing that little pretended get shown up.

The popularity of the OP is down to how much Jetta embodies what we would like to see more of in other Demons; selflessness and hardness.

It's just such a good news story when a kid who had terrible luck and got thrown a lifeline just kept on going and proved he was worthy of a spot in the team.

Every Melbourne supporter would be extremely happy for him.

As above - been a star. If only we'd kept hold of his best mate Bennell - imagine what Roos could have done with him!!

Hi, I've just got back from the game and joined you fellow demonlanders because I'm convinced I've seen the reincarnation of the great Matthew Whelan.

Neville Jetta has been amazing this year, never thought he had it in him.

Here's a look at his games:

Essendon - Kept three time premiership champion Paul Chapman under control with Chapman only getting 18 possessions and 1 goal.

Collingwood - Kept Collingwood livewire Jamie Elliot to his lowest possession and goal count this year with 9 disposals and 1 goal.

Port Adelaide - Before Wingard got subbed, kept the new wonderkid Chad Wingard to only 5 POSSESIONS!

Western Bulldogs - Kept vastly impressive Luke Dahlhaus goalless for only the second time this year!

Adelaide - Destroyed Eddie Betts. Keept him goalless and to 8 possessions.

Sydney - Didn't have any impact with the ball but Kept the lightening quick Lewis Jetta goalless.

Since Whelan, when have we had a small defender this good.

Not only is Jetta fantastic at stopping small forwards, he uses the ball well. Even though he isn't a long kick his short passes nearly always hits the mark and he hits players in good positions.

One final wrap for Jetta, whenever he needs to lay a tackle he lands it. Today he put a Essendon player into next week!

I've joined a forum for this bloke. I've been so impressed whilst not a games, but watching him live, Wow, Roos & Jetta have created something special.

Some great scalps there and nice summary Perago. I always thought he looked raw but a great prospect if he worked hard enough and was managed well.

He was chopped in and out of the team last year but was also fairly green and possibly lacking an AFL tank although that's complete conjecture on my part.

I think Roos has allowed him to settle and feel as if he belongs and has obviously given him a basic but important defensive role each week. So far it's working like a treat. Looks in peak condition and fitness and appears to have stepped up this side significantly from last year, to his credit.

Always a good ball user, up to round 17 last year he was ranked 2nd in disposal efficiency...just didn't get enough of it and to enough contests. 8th in the tackle count as well (average per game).

Sits on top of the effective disposal percentages this year! Also 6th in the 1 percenters (to be expected of course as he's mostly defending) and 7th in tackles.

Still a ways to go but coming along very nicely so far.

Have never dropped my love for Nev since I saw him fight everyone in the under 18's.

There was all this talk of a flashy midfielder but he never looked it and I am happy Roos has actually used him the way he should always have been used, as a tough, fearless shut down player.

The beauty of his development is that he now has the skills to be at this current level.

His tough play got him here, coupling that with his enhanced skill is what will keep him here.

Yes, looks another Whelan - and that is pretty high praise. Maybe not as good a kick, but both as hard as nails. Neville I think is a better defensive player which is what we need now.

Great first post Nev

What I'm loving is seeing kids who have worked so hard get their chance and succeed. Like most I liked Jetta but I didn't see him becoming the player he is. He's now 24 and looks like becoming a permanent member of the team - and a good one.

He was the same draft as Jamie Bennell. Both are having break out years. It highlights the necessity to develop players correctly. In poor teams so many young kids are thrown to the wolves ahead of time because of the need of the club and the expectation for success. When they fail early many are discarded. Whilst you have to think that Tapscott, Blease and Strauss are on thin ice it's worth remembering that they are where Jets was last year.

It's interesting also how in a professional elite environment with top people like Roos how it's the hard workers like Jetta, Bail and Pedersen that are succeeding ahead of more highly fancied skillful players like the Blease's of this world.

Jordie McKenzie is the next on the list to join this group I reckon. He was exceptional on the weekend.

Anyway that's a bit of a ramble but in summary well done Jets, loving your work and thrilled you're getting a return for your dedication to your career.

Thoroughly agree BB. Bennell was a missed opportunity and would not have been traded under Roos. Nev Jetta is a gun and will be our hard nut small back for a while I reckon. I think he is excellent at the shut down role. I suspect the next level development is to provide run out of the backline, although it was surprising how many times he provided strong contests in the middle of the ground and in the forward half on Sunday.

Watching the replay yesterday, I was surprised what a crucial role Jordie played in several of our key moves which led to goals in the last quarter: eg passing to watts who passed to kent who ran forward and goaled; at the centre of the play down the members wing which led to Salem's goal. If he keeps that up he will become an additional critical member of our inside midfield. Consistency has always been his challenge. Maybe he will learn from Neville, Pederson and Dunn. Let's hope so.

Nev has grabbed his chance and held on tight.

Respect is due.

Watching the replay yesterday, I was surprised what a crucial role Jordie played in several of our key moves which led to goals in the last quarter: eg passing to watts who passed to kent who ran forward and goaled; at the centre of the play down the members wing which led to Salem's goal. If he keeps that up he will become an additional critical member of our inside midfield. Consistency has always been his challenge. Maybe he will learn from Neville, Pederson and Dunn. Let's hope so.

We have discussed this one before - I don't think consistency has ever been Jordies problem - he consistently shuts down his opponent. His problem was that he wasn't offering anything else and with that you become predictable and your opponent doesn't worry about what you are doing.

Daniel Cross will shut you down as well but if you don't watch him - before you know it - he has racked up 25 plus disposals so the taggee needs to watch the tagger.

I noticed some of Jordies involvements on Sunday night too and was delighted. I am unabashed Jordie fan with an understanding that he has to offer more than just shutting down an opponent - I so much want him to succeed.

As above - been a star. If only we'd kept hold of his best mate Bennell - imagine what Roos could have done with him!!

They'd be competing for the same position, I expect.

I look forward to seeing that little pretended get shown up.

A tough as nails defender against one of the softest players in the league - can't wait.

As above - been a star. If only we'd kept hold of his best mate Bennell - imagine what Roos could have done with him!!

Agree with this. Bennell has better height, pace and skills and had advanced further earlier. I thought Nev was going to be one of those players caught in the middle. No height but also no speed. So no good as a small defender and no logical alternative position. I was frankly surprised they kept him and didn't rookie some others. How pleased I am to be proved wrong. Bring it on. But it makes you wonder what Roosy would have done with Bennell.

I'd love to find out how much of this improvement is due to Roosy and how much is due to Rawlings. Roosy seems to be the consummate communicator on simplifying the game and giving players roles they understand and execute. I wonder if it is Rawlings who gives them the role and Roosy has shown everyone how to communicate it. Whatever it is, it's working a treat. Nev and the rest of the back 6 were unbelievable on the weekend. Mind you having one of your first full pre seasons has got to help a player not blessed with pace.

Can't be doing Rawlings any harm when the discussions are going on about Roosy's successor.

Amazing how a coach can instill confidence in a player. Its almost like "I'm going to play you for the next 4 weeks. You don't have to star but just do these 4 things and you will keep your spot"

A bit like Watts said recently "do your role". Once players understand they are only required to do a certain number of non-negotiable things they can relax and hopefully flourish. And not get punished for the odd mistake.

Go Nev. Have always thought he had shown a bit but he was never settled in a spot.