Enigmatic forward Jarrad Waite has quit Carlton, intensifying the chase among rival suitors.
The 31-year-old had been mulling over contract extension offers from the Blues, but has declined in favour of pursuing offers as an unrestricted free agent. That will allow him to move to the club of his choice, with the Blues to be compensated by the AFL.
North Melbourne has met with Waite, while there has also been speculation that Fremantle would be a suitable home for him, as he could offer goalkicking support to its captain, Matthew Pavlich.
Waite’s decision ends a 13-year stint at the club, for which his late father Vin was a two-time premiership player, which began when he was drafted to in 2001. In 184 games he kicked 252 goals.
The strong-marking forward target has been renowned for the extremes of his performances, a trait which continued in the past season. He was twice dropped this year, but since his return in round 18 he thrived with 14 goals in four games to stoke interest from rival clubs.
Carlton general manager of football operations Andrew McKay lamented Waite’s decision.
“We had always been hopeful that Jarrad would stay at Carlton, particularly given his strong family connection to the club. However, free agency does give players the chance to explore their options, and while we believe we put a very good deal in front of Jarrad and his management, the offer has been declined,” McKay said in a statement.
“I would like to thank Jarrad for his service to Carlton over 13 years. He made a valued contribution to the Carlton Football Club.”
The window for clubs to make official offers to free agents at rival clubs, such as Waite, opens on Friday.
This story first appeared in The Age.
