Talks between the Gold Coast SUNS and Kurt Tippett's management have been put on hold for a couple of days according to SUNS list chief Scott Clayton.
 

Clayton said he expected talks to heat up over the weekend following the conclusion of the AFL Draft Combine.

"To be honest, we've put it aside for a day or two to focus on the job at hand," Clayton said at a media opportunity on Thursday at Etihad Stadium.

We are evaluating the most exciting young talent in the country at the same time, so we have certainly got our head in that today … as much as we would like to live it every minute, we're not.

He said the fact that Tippett, who grew up on the Gold Coast, seemed to be open to moving clubs other than those based in Queensland was not a shock.

I've learnt never to be surprised in this industry. The only permanent is change, Clayton said.

Clayton said the SUNS had spoken to most Victorian-based clubs over the future of Josh Caddy, who has said he wants to return to Victoria, and while a deal was a long way off, market demand for the young midfielder was positive.

"It is our job to try to get the best deal possible for ourselves," he said.

Clayton said that Caddy's preference was relevant to the discussions, as everyone - including the player - had to agree to what might be proposed.

He described the player and the SUNS approach as fair-minded.

We'll get an outcome. There is no doubt about that.
Clayton said he didn't think finalising a Caddy deal was critical for a bid to sign Tippett, as experience told him that tying deals together made them harder to finalise.

He would not be drawn on the club using its No.2 NAB AFL Draft pick for Melbourne's father-son prospect Jack Viney.

If either the SUNS or GWS choose to bid for Viney, the Demons would need to use its No.3 pick to secure the son of its recruiting manager Todd.

Clayton said a decision on Viney was yet to be made, but he said the tough midfielder was sure to have a great career.

"He is certainly in that first group from (pick) two to six and seven I would think," Clayton said.

"Everyone has known the rules as well as Melbourne and him, so there can be nothing guaranteed. We will make the best decision for us and Melbourne will make the best decision for them and that is just the nature of it.

As much as his family has been very Melbourne…as I said before things change.

Clayton said the future of Melbourne-born Josh Toy, who has played 13 games, and Queensland-born ruckman Tom Hickey, who has reportedly attracted interest from St Kilda after 12 games with the Suns, would play out over the next couple of weeks.

Both Toy and Hickey remain on the SUNS list.