New West Coast recruit Matt Owies has lifted the lid on the circumstances which saw him exit Carlton.

The small forward will head out west to continue his career, which has so far seem him play 72 games and kick 89 goals.

Owies told Wide World of Sports he was simply unlucky to be out of contract at the wrong time, express his thanks to the Blues for taking a risk on him as a category B rookie.

Click PLAY to hear Sam McClure’s full interview with Matt Owies 

“(The uncertainty) was bubbling away throughout the year,” he said on 3AW.

“We had a chat midyear about where we were sitting…list spots were really tight and I was aware they needed flexibility.

“It became clear I was out of contract at the wrong time. I’m sad to leave and really enjoyed my time at Carlton and loved playing in front of the supporter base.”

Image: Getty