THE SPECULATION around Josh Caddy's future has taken a twist, with news his Melbourne-based girlfriend has moved to the Gold Coast.

Caddy unsuccessfully sought a trade to Essendon at the end of last year to be with his family, as his father Adrian battled heart problems.

Essendon and the Suns could not agree to terms, but speculation he wants to become a Bomber has remained, due to Caddy refusing to begin discussions on a new contract after his two-year deal expires at the end of 2012.

Essendon and other Melbourne-based clubs have maintained their interest in Caddy but that could be fruitless as he looks to set up his life in south-east Queensland with girlfriend Sarah.

"She's a Melbourne girl and she's come up which has made things better," Caddy told AFL.com.au.

"She seems to be liking it. She just got a job and she's loving the weather, she's a beachy sort of girl so she's enjoying herself."

And the news is looking more positive for Adrian Caddy who recently had a triple bypass operation.

"It was the week leading into the (round 15) game against Geelong. I went back to Melbourne during the week and spent a couple of days with him in hospital," Caddy said.

"He's out of hospital now and it's all going well."

After playing just two senior games last season, Caddy has ensconced himself in the Gold Coast midfield this year, playing all 15 senior games and earning himself a nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star award for his part in Saturday's thrilling win over Richmond.

The most memorable highlight of Caddy's first AFL win was the after-the-siren goal by Karmichael Hunt to win the game. Hunt's match-winning goal will live on as one of 2012's true highlights but Caddy's effort just a few minutes earlier deserves similar adulation.

With the Suns trailing the Tigers by 16 points with four minutes to go, Caddy accepted a handball from Sam Day 70 metres from goal. He threw the ball on his boot, hoping to drive it forward, instead kicking one of the longest goals of the year.

But Caddy admits he didn't think he was within scoring range.

"We were finessing and mucking around with it a bit much and I knew there wasn't long left. I got it and just wanted to kick it as far as I could down into the forward line to give the forwards a chance," he said.

"I just got on to it and it went straight and went through. To be honest, I wasn't having a kick for goal I was just trying to get it as far as I could down there."

Luke Holmesby is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_Luke