“Lachlan Henderson is an outstanding young player and will be an important key forward for the Carlton Football Club for the next 10 years,” Ratten said at a media conference at Visy Park today.
Henderson is 19 years of age and was Brisbane’s first round selection, number 8 overall, in the 2007 AFL National Draft (the draft that saw Matthew Kreuzer join Carlton as the number one selection). A key position player who is very quick for his size Henderson can play at either end of the ground and is expected to play as a power forward for Carlton.
Originally from Birregurra in the Western Districts of Victoria, Henderson was recruited from Geelong Under 18s and made his AFL debut in 2008.
“Having a selection in the first round at next month’s National Draft is also important for our continued development and we know that selection 12 will be a very good young player. Importantly Brock McLean, who we have recruited from Melbourne, provides us with an experienced young player (McLean is 23) who is a real leader and an in-and-under midfielder. All in all we are delighted with the two new players and our first round draft selection that we have obtained during the Exchange Period,” Ratten said.
Both Ratten and Carlton President Stephen Kernahan acknowledged the decision to trade Brendan Fevola had been a tough one for the Club but believe it is in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club going forward.
“I have been through a lot with Brendan and it was a really tough decision to make. In the end we made what we believe to be the best decision for the Carlton Football Club and also for Brendan. He agreed it was in his best interests to change his environment and continue his career at a new club. As such he asked us to be traded,” Kernahan said.
“He has been a wonderful player for Carlton, a dual Coleman Medallist and one of our leading goalkickers of all time so it was a tough decision. We know he is popular, particularly with young supporters, but in the end his off-field behaviour was the catalyst that drove this decision for the club.”
Ratten too was full of praise for Fevola’s ability on the field.
“He has been one of the most exciting players at this club for many years and we certainly wish him well for the future. While we made the decision to trade him, Brendan will always be welcome at this club, he is a Life Member. We understand some members and supporters will be upset by our decision but this is about the Carlton Football Club and not an individual,” Ratten said.
“I want to make one thing very clear. The rumours that Chris Judd, or any other player was involved in our decision to trade Brendan are completely incorrect. It is disappointing to hear such rumours as it is so far from the truth. The players were not involved in this decision and were not even asked for an opinion on this matter, nor should they be, as this is a matter for the Football Department, Management and the Board of the Club, ” added Ratten.
As for allegations that have been reported today regarding Brendan Fevola being involved in sexual harassment on Brownlow Medal night, Stephen Kernahan said while the Club had heard the rumours, it was one of many about what is alleged to have happened that night.
“There have been many rumours involving Brendan Fevola from the Brownlow Medal night and clearly his behaviour was completely unacceptable. There is no doubt it was the catalyst for our decision to trade him. While we are aware of the rumour, it is only this afternoon that these reports have been made and the most important issue is that such a matter be handled appropriately,” Kernahan said.
