Eagles new recruit Matthew Owies is relieved and thankful for the opportunity to play at West Coast given the rough circumstances that saw him exit Carlton.
Despite being Carlton’s third highest goalkicker with 33 goals for this season, Owies was advised to search for other opportunities being out of contract at the end of 2024.
With the future of his career in limbo upon season’s end, West Coast extended him a lifeline and signed him on a three-year deal during the recent trade period.
“It was a pretty stressful time for me over probably a three-month period there not knowing whether I was going to be staying or going or ending up interstate,” he told SportFM.
“I was super lucky that West Coast came knocking and showed that they really valued what I could bring to the club and both on-field and off-field and super relieved and thankful for the opportunity.”
Since being signed on as a category B rookie, the 27 year-old played 72 games in the Navy Blue and booted 89 career.
However, despite his on-field contributions, Owies was reportedly told mid-season to start searching for other opportunities due to a list squeeze.
When asked if he felt devalued or disappointed by Carlton’s decision, Owies refuted those claims.
“I don’t know if those are the right words. I definitely loved my time there and within the four walls,” he said.
“I felt like my role and what I contributed to the team was valued, it just didn’t end up in a contract I guess.
“But as one door shuts another one opens and I’m lucky that Matt Clarke, Gavin Bell and Andrew McQualter saw that in me and they’ve shown their faith.
“I won’t let them down and so I’ll to get in and get stuck into the hard work.”
West Coast’s controversial three-club trade deal involving Owies was met with criticism from fans and AFL media alike.
On Tuesday, West Coast parted with Pick 3, bringing in pick 12, Owies and Richmond’s Liam Baker, with some late picks also swapped.
While Owies is aware of the backlash, he says he think that he, Baker and Graham can change the fans’ view on the trade through their onfield performance.
“To be honest, I don’t really read into it too much. I did see little snippets here and there,” he said.
“I think on paper, they might be upset, but I think they’ll get through me, Liam and Jack Graham, they’ll get a lot of leadership, a lot of experience out there and you can’t underestimate the power of that and what that can do for a group.
“I’m excited to, if there’s some criticism, change their view on it through our performance every single week and playing our heart out for the club.
“I’m looking forward to feeling the full force of the Eagles supporters behind us during the year.”
IMAGE: FILE