Why Cats gave up Watts chase

Geelong list manager Stephen Wells says while they could have completed the signing of Jack Watts, a willingness to go to the draft was a major factor in deciding not to go ahead with the deal.

The 26-year-old forward, who has been put up for trade by Melbourne despite having two years left on his contract, met with Cats officials in the past week.

He says the withdrawal of interest was not due to any misgivings on Watts, rather a desire to use picks, particularly as the club has recruited several players from other clubs in recent years.

“It was certainly nothing that had to do with anything that happened in an interview with Jack, or our opinion of Jack as a footballer,” Wells said on SEN Breakfast.

“We like Jack as a footballer and we would’ve been very happy for him to play with Geelong for the rest of his career.

“The deal we would’ve had to do with Melbourne, we probably could’ve done it, but sometimes you’ve got to choose not to do it.

“If you think you’re giving up too much or if you’ve got other options and for us the option of going to the draft is a really viable one. We haven’t had a lot over the last few years, as we’ve brought in seven or eight players from other clubs.”

Wells confirmed Melbourne were interested in an early second round selection, one which the club did not have.

“Melbourne were keen for a pick, not a first round pick, but they were still keen for a pick that was going to be good for them, and it think it’s been widely reported it’s in the 20’s,” he said.

“Firstly we didn’t have a pick in the 20’s, and if we did have we would still have probably used that to go to the draft.”

The NAB AFL Trade Period finishes at 2pm Thursday.