Emerging youngster Bailey Humphrey was entrenched in rumours throughout the course of the 2025 trade period, as the 21-year-old's desire to return to Victoria became clear.
Uncomfortable scenes were crafted after he was spotted meeting several Victorian clubs, despite his management claiming he had not met with any, and the Suns holding the view that he was an "untouchable asset".
Ultimately, Humphrey was not dealt on deadline day and will be held to his contract, which is set to expire after the 2027 season.
However, upon his return to Gold Coast, Humphrey believes there is no tension between him and his teammates, revealing that his desire to return to his home state of Victoria had nothing to do with the Suns.
That lack of awkwardness has been helped by superstar recruit Christian Petracca, who Humphrey said has been a reassuring presence at the Carrara-based club.
“Petracca spoke to me through that period and wanted to reassure me that everything would be alright," Humphrey told Herald Sun.
"[He said] we have got some special things happening up here and he couldn't wait to play with me.
“It was pretty cool to get that phone call."
Humphrey, like Petracca, only needs a few moments to win a game with his electric goal-scoring and creation inside 50s, but will look to expand his midfield repertoire in 2026.
As the 21-year-old forward works alongside the 2021 Norm Smith medallist, his prospects in that measure will no doubt be helped, with Humphrey revealing he's been spending much of his off-season with the recruit.
"I spend a fair bit of time with [Petracca]," Humphrey said.
"He has been good for a lot of the younger boys, cooking us dinner and stuff the last couple weeks.
"He's a very personable person. He's pretty easy to talk to and get along with.
"He is someone I probably looked up to when I was going through all the pathways, to play my footy like him because we have similar attributes. I can't wait to bring them out together and see how we go."
Humphrey addressed that his reason for wanting to leave Gold Coast was purely for personal reasons, which has helped him reintegrate into the club.
"The reason it hasn't been so awkward is because it never was about the people at the club, money, or anything about leaving," Humphrey said.
"I've got some great friendships here. It was all about family and I think the boys understood that. It was never awkward.
"I'm a big family person and didn't want too much of the stress. It's hard to put it into perspective but if something happened at home, it's a bit harder to get there and deal with it.
"I just thought with the struggles going on back at home it would have been a bit easier to deal with that if Melbourne was an option to go back.
"It was never about the people at the club. I love the club. I love the people.
"They made it very clear they weren't going to trade me, and that's a good thing. It just means they love me and want me at the club."
All eyes will be on Humphrey entering 2026 to see how he responds to the scrutiny from his mismanaged October, as his commitment to Gold Coast remains a question mark beyond this year.
However, Humphrey is firmly putting that question to the side as he looks to establish himself as one of the league's more exciting young talent.
"I'm not looking too far ahead," Humphrey said.
"I'm just focusing on now and how I can be the best teammate and person around the club.
