The Gold Coast SUNS wish to advise that it has reached an agreement with Charlie Dixon and his management whereby both parties will seek a trade during the upcoming AFL exchange period.

Dixon has indicated a preferred destination.

This outcome was reached after extended consultation between the GC SUNS, Dixon and Vivid Sport Management Director Peter Blucher, and was communicated to the playing group last night following the team’s final game of the season in Sydney.

“We have had continuous discussions with Charlie’s management for some time and all parties have arrived at the same conclusion … that a fresh start for the club and the player is the desired outcome,” General Manager - Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft said.

“Charlie has identified a club of choice and his management will now work with that club to explore the possibilities of an appropriate trade during the exchange period.

“There has already been speculation about Charlie’s future, and that will only intensify in the coming weeks as the exchange period approaches.

“That’s why we believe it is important to as transparent as possible with our playing group and our members and to be respectful to Charlie by putting this on the table now,” Ashcroft said.

Originally from Cairns, Dixon was one of the Gold Coast’s first players, signing as a 17-year-old in 2008, before the club was granted an AFL licence.

Making his debut in the GC SUNS inaugural AFL game, he kicked the club’s first ever goal against Carlton at the Gabba.

“Charlie played a significant part in our establishment, his name appears numerous times in our history books, and as our first ever goal kicker he will forever be associated with our football club, however time has come for a fresh start,” Ashcroft added.

Dixon, who has played 65 games and kicked 92 goals for the GC SUNS, said it was a tough decision to make to leave the Club.

“To leave the SUNS is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The club has been a massive part of my life and I appreciate enormously the opportunity they gave me to play in the AFL,” Dixon said.

“It’s been a decision that has weighed heavily on my mind in recent times and it was not taken lightly. But I just feel a fresh start is the best thing right now for my football career.

“I want to thank the players and everyone at the SUNS, and all the fans for their support over seven years. I wish them the best in what I’m sure will be a really exciting future at Metricon.”

Out of respect to the AFL, and the teams competing during the finals series, the Gold Coast SUNS intend to make no further comment on this matter.