Neville Jetta is one of footy’s feelgood stories.

The determined Melbourne defender is making the most of his second chance after being delisted by the Demons at the end of 2013.

He was offered a spot on the club’s rookie list by Paul Roos and hasn’t looked back since, becoming one of the game’s most reliable small defenders.

And, as his former teammate Aaron Davey discovered recently, the secret to his success on the field lies at home.

Jetta said wife Samantha, along with his daughter Nalani and son Kyree, gave him focus away from footy.

“Family was massive growing up and it’s a value I still hold, and something I’m trying to instil into my children now,” he said.

Jetta returns to the Melbourne line-up for the club’s clash with Port Adelaide in Alice Springs on Saturday.

He’s likely to be welcomed back with the task of minding Chad Wingard.