Henry Slattery Biography

Henry Slattery leaves the Bombers as an unrestricted free agent and says he is considering options, particularly from Port Adelaide.

"Port were a club that showed a bit of interest and I think we're sort of trying to hone in on that club," Slattery said.

"Me and my wife are from Adelaide as well and, although we love it Melbourne, it'd be quite an easy move up to Adelaide for us."

Essendon coach James Hird says defender Henry Slattery is assessing his future at the club.

"I think Henry has expressed to us that maybe there are some other options and he'd like to go down that path," Hird said.

"We'll have a chat with him and see as the trade period goes on what is available."

Essendon defender Henry Slattery is headed for more time in the midfield this season .

"As a new coach, [James] Hird wants me to be a bit more free-running," Slattery said.

"I wouldn't like to be known as a tagger; I'd like to get a bit more of the footy and I think that's what James wants as well."

Essendon's Henry Slattery says that being a senior player means 2010 will be a big year for him.

"I'd say this is one of the most important years for me," Slattery said.

"You want to improve every year, and we've got such a young list and I'm one of the senior players now.

"When you have older blokes like Scotty Lucas, Lloydy and Adam McPhee go, it's another reason for you to step up."

Essendon has confirmed Henry Slattery is in the box seat to replace Mark McVeigh in the side to face Carlton at the MCG tomorrow night.

McVeigh was suspended for one-match for striking Melbourne's Jared Rivers.

Max Rooke and Henry Slattery have been cleared of any wrongdoing for making contact with umpires.

Rooke tugged the shirt of the umpire while Slattery made only slight contact with umpire Matt Stevic.