Geelong recruit Zach Tuohy has revealed he received an "almost insulting"contract offer from the Blues before making the switch to the Cats.
Speaking to the Herald Sun, Tuohy said prior to last year's trade period, he had never contemplated leaving Carlton, the only club he had played for since arriving in Australia from Ireland to pursue his AFL dream.
However, that all changed when he was presented with a three-year contract from the Blues that he believed was well under his value.
“It was sub-par, very sub-par. Almost insulting,” he told the Herald Sun.
“It made it virtually impossible (to stay). Perhaps I was a victim of circumstance. The club’s going in a certain direction and that’s been very clearly documented.
“I was very happy there, but it was made clear to me that I might need to look at my options.”
“By no stretch was I pushed out the door, that’s not the impression I’m trying to give.
“But I was given a very strong impression that my future wasn’t guaranteed and, having a young family, that wasn’t a risk I was willing to take.
“I wasn’t going to put my own desire to be a one-club player ahead of my family’s wellbeing.
“The decision had to be made and I’m very happy I made it and I’ll stand by it.”
Tuohy played 120 games for the Blues from 2010 to 2016, before joining Geelong in last year's trade period in exchange for Billie Smedts and a future first-round selection, while the Cats also received a future second-round pick.