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JACK Watts is the latest to join the big-name migration to Alberton this year, with the Melbourne forward officially traded to Port Adelaide.
Melbourne was seeking a draft pick in the 20s for the 26-year-old, who is contracted until the end of 2019, but Port has got the deal done with its first pick in this year’s NAB AFL Draft, No.31.
Watts met with Port, Geelong and Sydney after Melbourne put him on the trade table at the end of a 2017 season when he finished 21st in the Demons' best and fairest award.
After the trade, Watts said he had no hard feelings towards Melbourne.
"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 said.
Port and Geelong emerged as Watts' most serious suitors, however the Cats had not been in contact with Watts for the past week and the forward requested a trade to the Power.
Geelong list manager Stephen Wells said last week the Cats remained interested in Watts, but were not prepared to trade their pick No.22 for him.
The Cats later received pick No.19 as compensation for Steven Motlop's free agency departure to Port, but would not trade that selection for Watts either.
The 196cm forward's impending move to Alberton would cap an extremely successful trade period for Port, which last week secured Tom Rockliff and Steven Motlop as free agents.
Watts played 153 games for the Demons and kicked 143 goals.
The former Sandringham Dragon was a free agent in 2016 but turned his back on rival interest to re-sign with the Demons last July for three seasons.
Watts finished a career-best fifth in 2016 Melbourne's best and fairest award, but fell out of favour this season.
Overlooked for the Demons' opening two JLT Community Series games amid club concerns about his preparation, he was then dropped to the VFL for a fortnight late in the season after struggling for form on his return from a four-week hamstring injury.
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