Why false reports of huge salary demands was the "cherry on top" of stressful trade period for Owies

New West Coast forward Matt Owies has been one of the most interesting names involved in this year’s trade period.

Despite kicking 33 goals in 2024 for Carlton, the 27-year-old was told to look around this off-season as a list squeeze took place at Ikon Park.

He found that new home in Perth once Carlton engaged West Coast in a deal to secure pick No. 3 in the National Draft, with Owies a part of the deal to claim that selection alongside picks No. 12 and 14.

While Owies loved playing for Carlton – a club that he featured 72 times for – he feels lucky to have ended up an Eagle after a stressful couple of weeks.

“It’s been a pretty stressful time for me over these last couple of weeks since the season ended,” Owies told SEN The Run Home.

“I absolutely loved playing for Carlton, it’s something that I'm going to miss.

“But over the last couple of weeks, it became clear that I was probably not going to end up there and West Coast came knocking.

“I'm lucky to have landed there because I think it's an awesome fit for my future and the way I want to go about my football.”

One thing that added to that stress was reports that Owies was looking for a long-term deal worth between $700,000-800,000 a season.

As those reports have since been refuted, Owies himself says he couldn’t believe those figures when they came out and confirmed that it was the cherry on top during a time when his stress was peaking with his future in limbo.

“To be honest, I couldn't believe that when it came out,” Owies said.

“It was probably the cherry on top, I was pretty stressed in those moments and when that one came out, I couldn't believe it.

“I mean, it must be nice (to be able to request that money), but it was definitely not something that I was going after … I just really wanted an opportunity where I felt valued and could be a part of something and build something.

“I had no idea where that came from, and it was definitely not true.”

While Owies has been gettable for a couple of weeks, he revealed that he was initially told by Carlton that it was likely he wouldn’t be getting a new contract mid-season despite his strong form due to that list squeeze.

While he has mixed emotions about leaving Ikon Park, he’s excited to join West Coast who he was keen to join over other clubs that he met with after having a coffee with new coach Andrew McQualter.

“Probably halfway through the year I got told about there being a list squeeze at the club and there not being many list opportunities there and they needed some flexibility,” Owies said.

“That was sort of the story that I got told and it ended up playing out that way.

“There just wasn't any room and I was the unlucky one that was out of contract at that time.

“I'm not angry. I understand what they were going after in this trade period. It's mixed emotions, obviously and I'm sad to leave there as played my heart out for that club.

“But at the same time, it also opens up the door to do that at West Coast and I'm really excited for what I can bring both on-field and off-field at West Coast.

“I won't let them down.”

Listen to Owies’ full chat with Andy and Gazey below.