Versatile Fremantle wingman Liam Henry officially requested to be traded away from Cockburn on Wednesday, following his earlier decision to put off contract talks until the end of the season.
After an underwhelming beginning to his career, the off-contract Docker put the finishing touches on a career-best campaign four years on from his 2019 debut.
During a disappointing year for Fremantle as a whole, the 22-year-old performed impressively in 2023 under Justin Longmuir, adapting to and thriving in a dependable wing role after previously plying his trade as a forward.
Averaging a career-best 20.4 disposals a game, the youngster's career is evidently ascending, as his ability to win the ball on the wing and move it along in transition was crucial to Fremantle's attacking movements this season.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Henry's positional flexibility has garnered the interest of a host of rival clubs intrigued by the prospect of acquiring his long-term services, with this year's trade period quickly upcoming.ย For the right price, the West Australian could be a great pickup for a handful of clubs, whether they be contenders or rebuilders.
We explored five potential landing spots for the wantaway Docker.
3. Western Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs have genuine reasons to pursue Henry, particularly if speedster Bailey Smith does ultimately depart the Kennel.
Even if the marketable midfielder sticks around for the long run, Henry still presents as a tantalising addition to Luke Beveridge's side, which require additional difference-makers to help ease the burden that the likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore, and Adam Treloar currently shoulder.
Ex-Magpie Caleb Poulter has solidified himself as a wingman for the Bulldogs and it's certainly possible to envision Henry slotting in nicely on the opposite side.
After failing to qualify for this year's finals series despite an abundance of talent, it's clear the Bulldogs need to explore alternative directions with regard to their list, especially with Beveridge seemingly locked in as coach.
Henry could represent one of those directions as the Footscray club looks toward 2024.
