FORMER Port Adelaide midfielder Jared Polec says while it was disappointing to leave the club he supported as a child, he had to take an offer presented to him at North Melbourne.

Polec was traded to the Kangaroos along with Jasper Pittard for pick 11 at November’s AFL National Draft and a future fourth round selection.

The wingman said it was hard to refuse North’s long-term contract offer but it didn’t change his love for Port Adelaide.

“It was a bit disappointing (to leave),” Polec said during an interview with Channel 9.

“I’ve always been a fan of Port Adelaide, since I was a kid.

“I grew up in Adelaide barracking for them so it was a dream come true playing for Port but unfortunately a new opportunity arose and I had to take it.”

Having arrived at Alberton from Brisbane during the 2013 trade period, Polec played 90 of his 106 AFL games with the Power.

Originally drafted with pick 5 in the 2010 draft, the 26-year-old struggled with injury at the Lions before reaching his full potential with the Power, including a top-5 finish in the club’s best and fairest in 2018.

Polec has had a busy week, securing his trade, having his birthday and marrying his partner Alison.

A honeymoon in the United States and Japan is next.

Despite moving away, Polec said he would remain in contact with Power coach Ken Hinkley, indicating there was no ill feeling between them.

“He understood my decision,” Polec said.

“We both knew where it was heading.

“Our relationship is still strong, we still speak. We’re catching up after our honeymoon for lunch and there’s definitely no bad blood between us.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity at North Melbourne now and we can move on with our lives and start looking forward to the future.”

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