MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Liam Stocker of the Blues is tackled by Marley Williams of the Kangaroos during the 2019 AFL round 07 match between the Carlton Blues and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on May 05, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Carlton youngster Liam Stocker has departed the Queensland hub for family reasons, according to veteran journalist Caroline Wilson.

He joins Geelong veteran Gary Ablett Jr, who flew home from Perth last weekend to be with his family but intends to return at some stage.

"20-year old Liam Stocker has has come home also for family reasons. He's keen to get back to the hub at some point and let's hope that Lachie Hunter does the same," she said on Channel 9's Footy Classified.

 

The Bulldogs confirmed in a statement yesterday that Hunter had been ruled out of selection for personal reasons but would remain in the club's Queensland hub.

“Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter is currently unavailable for selection due to personal reasons,” the statement read.

“The club will continue to strongly support Lachie as he works through some personal challenges, with his health and well-being to be the priority focus.”