FORMER Carlton player Lachie Henderson's mother has slammed the Blues and AFL boss Gillon McLachlan after her son was told to pack his bags by the club.

Henderson informed the Blues on Thursday he would seek a trade at the end of the season, with Carlton immediately telling the swingman he would no longer be required for the final three games of the season.

Henderson's mother, Vonnie, took aim at the Blues, telling 3AW radio her son had wanted to play the last three matches of the year.

"At no stage did he say he didn't want to play out the season," she said.

"That was not his choice that was directly from Carlton. He would have loved to have played the season out."

Mrs Henderson denied suggestions that the 25-year-old, who has struggled to find form in the past month, wasn't willing to play the remainder of the year in the VFL with the Northern Blues.

"That is completely and utterly wrong," she said.

"He had great years at Carlton. Yes his last year was not fantastic, but neither was the club last year fantastic."

Mrs Henderson also took aim at McLachlan, who was critical of her son's handling of the situation, saying his departure was "unneccesary" and "undisciplined".

"I think it was completely and utterly out of line to make a comment like that,” she said.

"Then you have Brisbane coming out and saying they were getting rid of Jed Adcock. I don’t think you can have one for one, and none for another.

"I think the traffic is very much one way. There's nobody more loyal to a club than Lachie Henderson."

Carlton has defended its decision to cut ties immediately with Henderson, saying it wanted to ensure he maintained his trade value and did not get injured in the final weeks of the season.

Geelong is considered the front runner to secure the former Blue's services.