Midfielder Josh Caddy says he wants to play out his career at Gold Coast SUNS, despite requesting a trade to Essendon in October.

Caddy was at the centre of a Trade Week storm when he told the GC SUNS he wanted to return to his hometown of Melbourne to be closer to his ill father.

But a deal could not be struck and the 19-year-old remained on the Gold Coast.

Now three months into his second pre-season, the former No.7 draft pick said he had moved on and was busting for the season to start.

"I'm thinking as if I'm going to be here forever," Caddy said.

"If I think of wanting to go home all the time it'll affect my footy so I'm going in with a mindset of this is where I'm at and hopefully be here forever."

Caddy is held in high regard at the GC SUNS, and said there had been no problems since expressing his desire to head home.

"At the time I was a little bit disappointed [to not be traded] but the club has been really good about it and have accommodated everything I've asked of them so it's been pretty smooth since," he said.

"It's been fine. No-one has held any grudges and I've fitted in perfectly. It's all good, It hasn't even been talked about really. I'm happy to be here and it's going really good."

Caddy's only concern is with a hip flexor injury sustained since his return from the Christmas break.

In a nightmare 2011 marred by groin surgery and a fractured foot, the Under-18 All Australian made it on to the field for the final two games.

He came on as a substitute in round 23 against Melbourne, and then starred with 16 disposals and two goals in the final round against Hawthorn.

Caddy said those two appearances lit a spark inside him.

"Ever since that last game last year I haven't been able to wait until round one this year," he said.

"If all things go to plan hopefully I'm there and I can't wait to start playing footy.

"I just want to do everything I can to keep my body injury free and I'd love to play every game and that's my goal."

Caddy worked on the exercise bike while his teammates went through a long match practice session at Friday's open training at Metricon Stadium.

He expects to be back in full training in the next fortnight and said he would be available for the GC SUNS first NAB Cup fixture against Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions on February 25.