Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says the Club is disappointed with the decision made by Chris Johnson to pursue other playing options heading into the 2009 season.

Talking exclusively to melbournefc.com.au, Bailey said, “Chris Johnson was a required player at the Melbourne Football Club. In 2008, we gave Chris ten playing opportunities to build on his career total of 21 games, and we saw some improvements in his game. Our preference was to always keep Chris Johnson as a part of the Melbourne Football Club.

“To do this, we offered Chris a new two year contract, but unfortunately he wanted to play for another, rival AFL club, and subsequently asked to be delisted.

“It is really important our members are kept well informed on matters such as these, and we are extremely disappointed with Chris’ decision.

“Over the last two weeks I held a number of meetings with Chris, and on all of these occasions he could not emphatically say that he wanted to play for the Melbourne Football Club.

“Ultimately, the ball was in his court, and we did everything possible to keep him on our list.

“There are no personal problems between myself and Chris, but we want players on our list who want to play for our jumper, and on this occasion Chris did not fit the bill.”

Chris Johnson played 31 games for the Melbourne Football Club, and was a father-son selection in the 2003 National Draft.