Gold Coast star Charlie Dixon has been granted permission to depart the AFL club during the upcoming trade period, opening the door for Port Adelaide or Fremantle to swoop.

The 24-year-old forward requested the trade and it was formally announced to the playing group following Saturday night’s final-round loss to Sydney ended the Suns’ disappointing season.

Dixon has played for the Suns since their inception in 2009, kicking the first goal in their inaugural match against Carlton at the Gabba. He was the club’s most accurate in front of goals this season, booting home 41 majors and 15 behinds.

Suns football operations chief Marcus Ashcroft said Dixon had identified a club of choice – believed to be Port Adelaide – with his manager Peter Blutcher set to negotiate a move during the trade window.

“There has already been speculation about Charlie’s future, and that will only intensify in the coming weeks as the exchange period approaches,” Ashcroft said in a statement.

“That’s why we believe it is important to be as transparent as possible with our playing group and our members and to be respectful to Charlie by putting this on the table now.”

The Dockers, Power and Brisbane have all been linked to the Cairns junior in recent months.

“To leave the Suns is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Dixon said.

“The club has been a massive part of my life and I appreciate enormously the opportunity they gave me to play in the AFL.

“It’s been a decision that has weighed heavily on my mind in recent times and it was not taken lightly.

“But I just feel a fresh start is the best thing right now for my football career.”