Gold Coast development coach and former Geelong premiership player Max Rooke will leave the SUNS and join the Melbourne Football Club.

Rooke, who joined the club at the end of the 2015 season, will return to Victoria to be closer to his children.

GC SUNS General Manager - Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, confirmed the club had granted Rooke permission to explore opportunities in Victoria.

“Max is a quality person and we acknowledged it was important for him to be closer to his children and as a result we supported him in exploring coaching opportunities in Victoria, we wish him all the very best in the future.”

Rooke thanks the Gold Coast SUNS for their understanding.

"I've really enjoyed my time with the SUNS and I wish all the players, coaches and staff well for the future. The SUNS provided me with a great opportunity to join the club last year and I want to thank them for supporting me in returning to Victoria," Rooke said.

Recently retired defender Nick Malceski will replace Rooke.