Demons send former top draft pick Jack Watts to Power :-: abc net
ABC .net
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Jack Watts says he has no hard feelings toward Melbourne after he was traded to Port Adelaide.
Watts joined high-profile free agents Tom Rockliff and Steve Motlop at the Power, who only had to part with pick 31 to satisfy the Demons.
The former number one draft pick still had two years to run on his current deal with Melbourne, but found himself on the outer with coach Simon Goodwin, who dropped him late in the season.
The 26-year-old also attracted interest from Geelong and Sydney after he was encouraged to explore his options by the Demons.
"I have no hard feelings towards the club," Watts said after the trade went through.
"I know it's difficult to leave as I have always enjoyed playing for Melbourne, but I think a clean break is the best thing for me and I'm looking forward to the next stage of my career."
Watts played 153 games for the Demons after being the top pick at the 2008 draft.
"But the list management group felt that Jack's consistency of performance while at Melbourne hasn't been at the level expected of a player with his experience," Melbourne football chief Josh Mahoney said.
"This may be attributed to the fact that Jack has attracted immense public interest from day one.
"This has no doubt placed an unfair amount of pressure and expectation on Jack throughout his career at Melbourne and both parties feel like a change of environment and a fresh start will be the best thing for Jack's career."
AAP
