Jarrad Waite has informed the Carlton Football Club that it is his intention to exercise his rights under the AFL’s Free Agency rules and pursue opportunities elsewhere next season.
The 31-year-old has been a valued member of the Carlton team since being recruited to the Club with a third round draft pick (selection No. 46 overall) in the 2001 National Draft.
Since making his debut in the navy blue in Round 1, 2003 against Sydney, Waite has kicked 252 goals, but injury has restricted him to just 184 games. In 2003, he was named Carlton’s Best First Year Player and in 2007 he finished third in Carlton’s Best and Fairest.
The son of Carlton’s 1970 and ’72 premiership defender Vin Waite, Jarrad wore the same No. 30 guernsey previously worn by his father.
Carlton’s GM – Football Operations Andrew McKay said it will be sad to see Waite leave.
“We had always been hopeful that Jarrad would stay at Carlton, particularly given his strong family connection to the Club,” McKay said.
“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.
“I would like to thank Jarrad for his service to Carlton over 13 years. He made a valued contribution to the Carlton Football Club.”
