For Carlton coach John Barker the ideology is simple: “We just want players with a fierce determination and (who will) assume the responsibility that comes with pulling on the Carlton jumper.”

The statement comes on the morning Carlton’s Lachie Henderson informed the club and his teammates he’s leaving the Blues – requesting to be traded to another side.

With his contract finishing at the end of the season, Henderson, who is not a free agent, constantly battled the speculation about his impending decision.

After six years and 102 games wearing the navy blue guernsey, Barker said Henderson “talked about the fact he wanted a fresh start”.

“Lachie has been grappling with some sort of a decision for a while now and his performances have gradually dropped off, to the point on the weekend where his output wasn’t great,” Barker said on Thursday morning.

In his last five games against Fremantle, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Collingwood and Brisbane, Henderson has only averaged just over 13 disposals.

In light of his recent on-field performances, it was decided between all parties that Henderson would not play for the remainder of the season, with Barker admitting “he wasn’t going to be playing senior football for us this weekend anyway”.

“What our fans and members need to know is that we need to provide Carlton with the best possible outcome and we feel we can do that by keeping him uninjured for the next three weeks,” Barker said.

The Carlton Football Club, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, is one of the oldest football clubs in Australia and to represent the club is a privilege, something that’s not lost on Barker.

“You’ve got to value every game you get as an AFL player and Lachie has lost that value at the Carlton Football Club.

“I think we’ve got a lot of players at this club who want to assume that responsibility of wearing the jumper and are keen to do so going forward,” he said.