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Waite could head North as AFL free agent

Jarrad Waite, brilliant one week, frustrating the next. Photo: Anthony Pearse
29th September, 2014
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Key forward Jarrad Waite has walked out on Carlton after 12 AFL seasons and appears likely to join North Melbourne under free agency.

The 31-year-old has had a rollercoaster senior career with the Blues, managing only 184 games since his debut at the start of the 2003.

At his best, Waite has been a dangerous, big-marking forward and the focal point of Carlton’s attack.

But the 2001 father-son recruit has also struggled with injuries and on-field discipline.

While Waite was a Rising Star nominee in his debut 2003 season, the best he has done in Carlton’s best and fairest voting was third in 2007.

That was also the only season where Waite has played every game.

Waite is now an unrestricted free agent and speculation had been rife this year that he would probably go to North.

He is the son of two-time Carlton premiership defender Vin Waite and wore his Dad’s No.30 guernsey.

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“We had always been hopeful that Jarrad would stay at Carlton, particularly given his strong family connection to the club,” Blues football director Andrew McKay said in a club statement.

“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 club.”

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