Wantaway forward Lachie Henderson says desire to taste AFL success and enjoy his footy again is behind his decision to leave Carlton.
Henderson told the Blues he would not be extending his contract with the wooden spooners-in-waiting, letting his team-mates know on Thursday morning.
In response, Carlton showed Henderson the door, telling the 25-year-old he'd played his last game for the club.
Henderson told the AFL Players Association's website the decision to leave was not made on the spur of the moment.
"It's been rolling around in my head for a long time and its been a really tough decision to make," he said.
"I spent six good years at Carlton. I have really enjoyed those years.
"But for my own happiness and a bit of success I'd like to get I made the choice to leave."
Despite the Blues having three games left in their season, Henderson won't be considered for selection and may never set foot in Visy Park again after telling his side he was off.
"It was literally pack the bags and walk out the door after that meeting," he said.
"It was tough and it was a big shock but it was my decision and I have to live with it.
Henderson said he respected the club's decision to stand him down, which caretaker coach John Barker felt was essential to preserve the value of the club jumper and his trade value.
"We just want players who are going to have a fierce determination and assume the responsibility that comes with putting the Carlton football club jumper on," Barker said.
"We need to provide Carlton with the best possible outcome and we feel we'll do that by keeping him uninjured for the next three weeks."
Henderson's Carlton career ends with 102 games and 101 goals over six seasons.
Barker said the issue may have come to a head before the end of the season because of his decision to drop him for Sunday's match with Melbourne.
"He's been grappling with some sort of decision for some time now," he said.
"His performances have gradually dropped to the point on the weekend where his output wasn't great ... he wasn't going to be playing senior football for us this weekend."
Henderson is not a free agent and will rely on Carlton trading him to a club of choice.
Having grown up near Geelong, the Cats are likely suitors and have reportedly confirmed their interest.
Blues football head Andrew McKay said the club would be driving a hard bargain with any interested clubs.
"Our list management team now has a duty to our Carlton members to get the best possible deal in return for Lachie through the AFL trade period," he said.
Barker said the club's decision to stand down a wantaway player and move him on would be appreciated by members.
"We've been really honest at Carlton over the last 12 months or so," he said.
"It's been refreshing for our members to understand exactly where we're at, to know where we're going."
Henderson was originally drafted to Brisbane, but moved south after two years with the Lions as part of a trade with the Blues for Brendan Fevola.
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