After moving from Perth to Melbourne as a part of the mid-season draft, Josh Deluca was hoping for a long-term opportunity with the Blues.
At season's end, he was not offered a further contract despite being certain he would be given at least another year from the club.
โ100% (I thought Iโd have a list spot in 2020). I was pretty devastated and shocked because I thought I was in a better position than what I found out to be,โ Deluca told SEN Breakfast on Monday morning.
Carlton football boss Brad Lloyd responded on SEN Breakfast Wednesday morning.
โWhen we draft a player we always look at it as a long-term decision hoping they will be at the club as a long-term player," he said.
โJosh was no different to this and we drafted him with this in mind. In saying this, we would never commit to a player beyond their contracted period.
โJosh made the trip across from Perth with the opportunity to continue his AFL career, he did a good job but unfortunately was not able to secure a more permanent position on our playing list."
Deluca spoke with devastation in his voice during his interview as he felt "disappointing" as the outcome at Carlton was not what he ever expected.
โI would have loved the opportunity to get a pre-season in and have a good crack at it next year, even if that was just a one-year contract.
โIโm pretty sure weโd spoken about it earlier before getting drafted. Itโs a big move (from Perth to Melbourne) and Iโm not really keen on a six-month gig and they were pretty reassuring that it wouldnโt be.
โI was pretty flat to hear when that result came back and circumstances had changed.โ
He played the last six games of the season for the Blues.
