Dockers speedster requests trade: AFL Trade News

Former first-round draftee Liam Henry has told Fremantle that the 2023 season will be his last in purple, officially requesting a trade away from Cockburn on Wednesday afternoon.

Henry, 22, was originally drafted to the Dockers with the 9th selection of the 2019 AFL Draft, and despite yo-yoing in and out of the senior team, managed to hit a purple patch to round out his most recent campaign, finishing the year with an average of 20.4 disposals.

The Tammin native entered the 2023 season - his fourth as a Docker - without a deal for the future, seeing the speedster linked with a shift away from the West, with clubs such as St Kilda and Hawthorn reportedly acting as Henry's prime suitors.

Speaking by way of an official club statement, Dockers footy boss Peter Bell claimed the club was dissapointed by Henry's request.

“It is disappointing that Liam Henry has opted to explore his options, especially considering we have been involved in his development since he was 15 and he has taken some significant steps forward this year,” Bell said ahead of the trade period.

“We made a significant investment in Liam, not just through our Next Generation Academy, matching Carlton's bid under NGA concession rules in the 2019 Draft, and it was pleasing to see his potential come to fruition this year.

“We will have this investment and his talent as a winger front of mind when looking to facilitate a trade.”

Henry was also slated to be on the move last off-season, with the winger reportedly in the Demons sights. Yet, with Lachie Hunter now pairing with another former Docker in Ed Langdon, it remains to be seen whether Melbourne is still in the market for Henry's services.

Henry's choice to opt out at Fremantle comes a fortnight after telling Yokayi Footy that a decision of this nature was imininent.

"I know there's a lot of interest in my career at the moment, but at the end of the day I'm trying to play these last two weeks," he said.

"Hopefully I'll get to make that decision sooner or later. I've got to make it soon, it'll definitely come out (soon)."

Should a trade be agreed upon, Henry will depart the Dockers after making 43 appearances in the club's purple and white.

The club's announcement of Henry's desired departure comes as Fremantle also reveal second-year tall Eric Benning would not be offered a contract for 2024.

“It's a difficult time of year when we have to make decisions on our players' futures, and today we did inform Eric Benning that he would not be offered a contract for 2024,” Bell said.

“We thank Eric for his efforts in his two seasons at Fremantle and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”