Josh Caddy to leave Gold Coast Suns and return to Victoria

THE Suns will demand a trade for an established player or a first-round pick after Josh Caddy informed them he would return to Victoria.

Josh Caddy

THE Suns will demand a trade for an established player or a first-round pick after Josh Caddy informed them he would return home to Victoria next year.

Caddy is out of contract and only becomes a free agent if Gold Coast choose to de-list him.

But the Suns last night said they would not let him walk free and would demand a suitable trade for the former No.7 draft pick, who excelled in the Gold Coast midfield this year.

Geelong and St Kilda are understood to be the leading clubs vying for his services.

But if a deal cannot be struck, Caddy would have to take his chances in the draft, which would mean he would not necessarily go to the club of his choice.

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Gold Coast general manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said the club credited Caddy for his professionalism over the past 12 months.

"We are disappointed with Josh's decision, however we appreciate the transparency and professionalism Josh has displayed whilst making this extremely difficult decision," he said.

Ashcroft said the Suns would begin discussions with Caddy's management to facilitate a move.

"Both Josh and his manager understand that it will be the club's intention to facilitate an exchange that will deliver the most favourable outcome for the advancement of our playing group," Ashcroft said.

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In a statement released by the Suns, Caddy thanked them for their understanding and support saying it had been a difficult decision.

"I do though believe the move back to Melbourne is the right thing for me," Caddy said.

Despite their stars, Geelong have room in their salary cap given the impending retirement of Matthew Scarlett.