GOLD Coast coach Guy McKenna believes there is no reason to change the club's approach to homesick players, following Josh Caddy's unsuccessful attempt to return to Melbourne during Trade Week.

Caddy, 19, played two games in an injury-interrupted debut season in 2011 before requesting a trade to Essendon earlier this month.

The former Northern Knights captain wanted to return to Melbourne to be closer to his father, who is battling health complaints.

However, with a suitable trade unable to be negotiated, he will remain at the GC SUNS for at least one more season.

"In Josh's particular circumstance, his father needs some surgery. There's a special case there," McKenna said of Caddy's potential move.

"Given we're an interstate club I think we go over and above all those types of issues with our boys. We've got very few boys born and bred on the Gold Coast, we have some Queenslanders, and the majority are from interstate so we're very conscious of that."

The GC SUNS had first-year difficulties with No.2 draft pick Harley Bennell, who was sanctioned after failing to return to the Gold Coast on time from his native Western Australia following a mid-season match.

Gold Coast regularly allows its interstate youngsters extra leave following games in their home state.

McKenna said retaining Caddy was not a case of taking a "hard line" but just working through the process with him, his family and the club.

"We sat down with his father and Josh and work-shopped the different scenarios. We're conscious of Josh and his well-being and his relationship with his father," McKenna said.

"Typical of the kid, he rang me 10 minutes after the trade deadline went through and understood he didn't get his wish and was on the front foot to say that he's keen to do the best he can for himself and the footy club this year and that's totally what I expect of him."

Caddy was among a large group of Gold Coast players who returned to training on Monday.

Players in their first four seasons - the majority of the GC SUNS squad - have had six weeks off and returned to physical testing and light ball work in the afternoon.

McKenna said they had a good break and "99 per cent" of the squad had returned in fantastic shape.

They will have two weeks of training on the Gold Coast before heading to Arizona for an altitude camp from November 6.