Jeremy Cameron's manager has revealed Greater Western Sydney were certain the star forward would finish his AFL career as a Giant before his shock trade request.
A member of GWS inaugural AFL squad in 2012, Cameron has told the the club he wants out after 171 games.
The nine-time Giants leading goal-kicker is eager to put a horror AFL season behind him by joining beaten grand finalists Geelong.
Cameron's manager Alex McDonald says the 2019 Coleman medallist is set on having a fresh start under Chris Scott at the Cats.
"They were shocked. He broke the news to (Giants coach) Leon (Cameron)," McDonald told AFL Trade Radio.
"I think they were comfortable that he would be a Giant for life.
"They've (Giants) been fantastic for him but for lifestyle reasons he's decided that after 10 years at a club he loves and has helped developed him, it's time to move on.
"He and (partner) Indiana are really comfortable with their decision. It was a really big decision for them."
After kicking a career-high 76 goals last year, Cameron struggled in 2020 by slotting just 24.
The 27-year-old wasn't the only GWS player that didn't cope with hub life as the Giants missed the finals for the first time since 2015.
"He'd be the first to say he didn't cope well in the hub," McDonald said.
"Earlier on in the hub life, someone found him fishing down on a pier one night, which is just the way he operates.
"He makes no excuses for the year he had and he's really determined to put that behind him and have a fresh start at Geelong."
GWS have indicated they will match any deal Geelong puts to the restricted free agent.
Australian Associated Press
