In-form wingman Liam Henry asks Dockers to trade him

Fremantle football operations manager Peter Bell says he’s disappointed that in-form wingman Liam Henry has requested to be traded, and the Dockers aren’t likely to let him go cheaply.

Henry, the No.9 pick from the 2019 national draft, enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, averaging 20.4 possessions per game.

The 22-year-old’s future has been a hot talking point in recent weeks, and he officially informed the Dockers of his intention to leave on Wednesday.

It’s believed Hawthorn, the Western Bulldogs and Carlton are the early frontrunners to land his services.

The news is a big blow to Fremantle, who invested years into Henry’s development and were only now starting to reap the rewards.

A product of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy, Henry has been involved at the Dockers since he was aged 15.

Fremantle were forced to match Carlton’s bid in the 2019 national draft in order to secure Henry’s services.

Henry averaged just 9.3 disposals per game across his first three seasons, but he announced himself as a prolific wingman this year with a series of standout displays.

“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 in a statement.

“We made a significant investment in Liam, not just through our Next Generation Academy, (but also) 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.”

A day earlier, Dockers coach Justin Longmuir expressed his desire to hang onto Henry, believing his future would be best served at Fremantle.

Fremantle have informed ruck/forward Eric Benning he will not be offered a contract for 2024.

Drafted at pick No.54 in the 2021 national draft, Benning played 29 reserves and one league game for WAFL side Peel Thunder in his two years on Fremantle’s list.

The trade period will start on October 9 and finish on October 18.