Matt Owies has studied footage of new West Coast teammate Jamie Cripps and is looking forward to learning from the Eagles star after his trade from Carlton.
Owies met with List Manager Matt Clarke and General Manager Football Gavin Bell several weeks ago ahead of a potential move west, and a coffee catch up with new coach Andrew McQualter increased his excitement.
A deal was completed for the 27-year-old on Tuesday, with Owies set to play in blue and gold for the next three seasons.
“It’s pretty exciting. I know the club is going through a bit of a changing of the guard with coaches and whatnot so I’m excited to be part of what is next to come,” Owies said.
“Excited to put the guernsey on and hopefully when I’m done leave it in a better place.
“It was really good (meeting McQualter). More of just to get to know each other and understand how each other works and what he is trying to implement at the club.
“It all matched up well and excited for what hopefully I can bring for the team and trying to support those around me.”
Owies has been a regular threat in Carlton’s forward line over the past two seasons, booting 33 goals this season and 27 in 2023.
He kicked three majors on five occasions last season, including against West Coast in round 23, but also prides himself on his ground-level pressure game.
“That’s the hallmark of any small forward in today’s game – you’ve got to be able to bring pressure and hunt,” Owies said.
“Hopefully I can bring that standard to the club and really set that for the forward line, put on pressure and finish my opportunities when they come.
“Jamie Cripps is someone I’ve watched a lot of film on and I’m excited to work with him and learn off him to help grow my craft.
“I know Liam Ryan and Noah Long who people are quite excited for. It will be great to also work with the talls down there Jake Waterman and Oscar Allen so looking forward to seeing how I fit in there and complement pieces already there.”
Owies was picked up as a mature-age category B rookie by the Blues after previously playing point guard for the University of Hawaii and Seattle University basketball teams.
He has played 72 games and kicked 89 majors since his debut in 2020.
