Ablett's stunning ultimatum after trade request

Gold Coast have announced that Gary Ablett has officially requested a trade home to where it all began at Geelong.

If he doesn't get the trade he wishes, Ablett has announced through his manager Liam Pickering that he will be retiring, meaning there is no way he has any future at the Suns.

"He said he would retire. He told them today," Pickering told Foxfooty.com.au.

The move has come as no surprise after a year of speculation regarding the former Suns captain's future.

But the trade won't be an easy thing, with Ablett still under contract for 2018.

"We indicated to Gary and his manager Liam Pickering that there are conditions that will need to be met for the Gold Coast if this is to be achieved," the Suns said.

"(List manager) Scott Clayton will be available to meet with Liam and Geelong to ensure these conditions are met."

Geelong responded later on Tuesday indicating they would work with the Suns to complete a swap.

"The club is respectful of the fact Ablett is a contracted player with the Gold Coast and, as such, the Suns have the final say on a trade agreement," the Cats said.

Gold Coast are rumoured to seek a young player in return, while Geelong are expected to give Ablett a two-year contract.

Trade period officially opens on Monday, October 9 at 9am, with Ablett the latest domino to fall after the Bulldogs confirmed they would look to trade premiership forward Jake Stringer.

Ablett has spent the past few weeks in Melbourne with family following the end of the Suns' season.

The 33-year-old won the club's best and fairest award this season despite playing played 14 games as shoulder and hamstring injuries reduced his availability.

He has played 110 games for Gold Coast since leaving the Cats and moving to the expansion club on big dollars ahead of their 2011 debut.

While the two-time premiership player won the Brownlow Medal as a Suns player in 2013, Gold Coast have not reached the finals in their seven seasons.

The club is currently searching for a new coach after sacking Rodney Eade in the final month of the campaign.