Jack Watts says he has no hard feelings toward Melbourne after he was traded to Port Adelaide on Tuesday.
But Demons fans weren't quite so forgiving after the club accepted just pick 31 for the top selection at the 2008 draft.
Former Melbourne champion David Schwarz led the charge on SEN when he declared the deal "well unders", while ex-Port player Kane Cornes tweeted "Pick 31 for Watts ... someone call the police."
Watts joined high-profile free agents Tom Rockliff and Steve Motlop at the Power.
The 26-year-old still had two years to run on his current deal with Melbourne, but found himself on the outer with coach Simon Goodwin, who dropped him late in the season.
He also attracted interest from Geelong and Sydney after he was encouraged to explore his options by the Demons.
"I have no hard feelings towards the club," Watts said after the trade went through.
"I know it's difficult to leave as I have always enjoyed playing for Melbourne but I think a clean break is the best thing for me and I'm looking forward to the next stage of my career."
Watts played 153 games for the Demons but was often singled out for criticism as Melbourne struggled and failed to make the finals in any of his nine seasons with the club.
The move might be seen as harsh given Watts was a well-liked figure at the club, but Melbourne football chief Josh Mahoney defended the trade.
"The list management group felt that Jack's consistency of performance while at Melbourne hasn't been at the level expected of a player with his experience," Mahoney said.
"This may be attributed to the fact that Jack has attracted immense public interest from day one.
"This has no doubt placed an unfair amount of pressure and expectation on Jack throughout his career."
In the only other official trade lodged with the AFL on Tuesday, the Power sent Brendon Ah Chee and a 2018 fourth-round draft pick to West Coast for a future third-round pick.
With just two days left in this year's trade period several players' futures remain unresolved.
Adelaide are sticking to their guns on Charlie Cameron and maintain they will hold him to his contract next season.
The speedy midfielder-forward is desperate to play for Brisbane to be closer to family and friends and the Lions remain hopeful they can convince the Crows to part with him.
Brisbane also need to complete a move for Hawthorn veteran Luke Hodge and are still testing the market for Josh Schache.
Speculation continues about an Adelaide move for Carlton star Bryce Gibbs.
Essendon have completed trades for Devon Smith and Adam Saad but Jake Stringer remains in limbo.
The Western Bulldogs maintain they will welcome back the exiled but contracted forward, but he says that's unlikely.
Gold Coast are still working with Geelong to secure Gary Ablett's homecoming trade, while the Suns are keen to work a deal for want-away Fremantle youngster Lachie Weller.
Share
