Liam Henry

FIVE potential landing spots for Liam Henry

The Docker officially requested a trade on Wednesday.

Published by
Josh De Sa

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.

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. 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.

Hawthorn

The Hawks appear to be one of the leading contenders to strike a trade for Henry, particularly following the news that fellow livewire Tyler Brockman is understood to have requested a trade back to Western Australia.

Henry could certainly be a suitable replacement for Brockman if the Hawks view the Docker's career trajectory as a genuine forward, otherwise, he could certainly compete for a wing position opposite of lethal left-footer Karl Amon.

Further, Hawthorn was reported to have an interest in acquiring West Coast's Liam Ryan via a trade, having previously played with former Eagle and current Hawks coach Sam Mitchell; illustrating an insight into the Hawks' potential desire for another dangerous forward.

Under premiership Hawk Mitchell's tutelage, the youthful and dynamic Hawks flourished this season despite their lowly ladder position, showcasing promising glimpses into a successful future, with Hawthorn's list committee possibly seeing Henry as a part of that future.

St Kilda

St Kilda is another that has been linked to a possible move for Henry.

With the likes of Mason Wood and Marcus Windhager jostling for minutes on St Kilda's wings, the Saints could look to the 22-year-old Henry to energise their forward line.

Currently containing the likes of Dan Butler and Jack Higgins, Henry could be an electric goalsneak for the Saints. While Butler and Higgins are solid complementary pieces around Max King, a younger, more elusive talent in Henry could provide a different dynamic to the side.

Another factor worth considering here is the Stephen Silvagni connection. Silvagni, the current list manager at Moorabbin, previously held the same role at Carlton and bid on Henry during his draft year.

While his initial attempt at snagging Henry was futile, 'SOS' may have a second bite at the apple to secure the Docker this off-season.

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.

Melbourne

The Demons appear a less likely trade partner for the Dockers for Henry, particularly with fewer first-team spots up for grabs.

After having been tied to a potential trade for Henry previously, Melbourne likely views Henry as a natural small forward rather than a winger, considering the established statuses of wingmen Ed Langdon and Lachie Hunter, whose positions are cemented.

While it would be tough for Henry to break into Melbourne's premiership-contending side, the Docker could make himself at home in Simon Goodwin's forward line.

As a small forward, wreaking havoc alongside fellow West Australian Kysiah Pickett, Henry could take his career to another level.

North Melbourne

North Melbourne should be on the lookout for as much available young talent as possible, with the wantaway Henry no exception.

Heading into his second season at the Arden Street helm, there's no doubt coach Alastair Clarkson will be assessing ways to inject more senior talent into his list as the Roos continue their protracted rebuild.

Capping a success-starved 2023 campaign with a rare victory over the Suns, the Roos will be hoping morale at the club is high, particularly after Nick Larkey earned his maiden All-Australian blazer and Harry Sheezel claimed this year's Rising Star award.

The club's burgeoning talent is plain to see, hence North will hope the appeal to join the club is apparent.

Spots are up for grabs at the Kangaroos, so Henry could view Arden Street as a destination where he could make a wing his own, all while playing under a legendary coach.

Published by
Josh De Sa