HIGH-MARKING key forward Liam Jones has told the Western Bulldogs he wants to explore his trade options after being dumped from the senior side in June.

Jones, 23, showcased his potential in the VFL finals, helping Footscray to a premiership with nine goals and 25 marks, 14 contested.

media_camera Liam Jones on the lead. Picture: Michael Klein

Jones told the Bulldogs his intentions after Sunday’s VFL flag and he could follow free agent Shaun Higgins, 26, to North Melbourne, where Higgins is tipped to accept a four-year offer after finally shaking his injury curse.

Carlton has also made inquiries about Jones, whose departure would further weaken the Dogs’ goalkicking stocks.

The exchange period will be sprinkled with key forwards on the move, led by free agents James Frawley (Melbourne) and Jarrad Waite (Carlton).

Out-of-contract Sydney goalkicker Tim Membrey could also seek a move after only one game in two seasons despite 105 goals in the NEAFL in that time.

Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder could land at Port Adelaide after meeting coach Ken Hinkley yesterday.

Greater Western Sydney big man Kristian Jaksch has already asked to be traded home to Melbourne and is deciding on his preferred destination.

This year’s draft also is stacked with key-position talent.

media_camera Liam Jones has managed 66 gams in six seasons. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The Dogs, who secured defender Easton Wood for 2015, have tabled a new contract to Jones but he hinted on Sunday he was likely to seek a fresh start after 66 senior games in six seasons.

“I was just focusing on this VFL finals series and then just going to let that other stuff play out itself, there’s nothing else that I can control,” Jones told ABC Grandstand.

Asked if he had fielded interest, Jones said: “I’m not sure. Like I said I’ve just focused on today and (I’ll let) my manager deal with all that sort of stuff.”

The 197cm Jones managed only 10 games this year – his lowest tally since 2010 – and was frustrated with his inconsistency. He kicked 12 goals in five games, but went goalless in the rest.

Jones kicked 4.2 and polled two Brownlow Medal votes to lead the Dogs to their Round 13 win against Collingwood, but followed up with two quiet games and was unsighted for the rest of the season.

A talent expert said Jones’ decision would likely frustrate the Dogs after they had invested six years in his development and suggested they would demand a second-round draft pick in exchange.

“Talls with talent coming into their prime age of 24-25 always have value. His lack of competitive nature is a worry, but he can play,” he said.

Another expert said Jones’ standing was similar to Jay Schulz when he left Richmond, immediately flourishing at Port Adelaide.