JOSH Caddy will join his third AFL club after Richmond and Geelong struck a trade for the talented midfielder.
The Tigers get Caddy and Geelong's third-round selection (pick 56), while the Cats receive picks 24 and 64.
Caddy, who has signed a four-year deal with the Tigers, told NAB AFL Trade Radio the move happened quickly.
"It's a bit of a funny feeling, it's something I didn't see coming a couple of weeks ago," Caddy said.
"I suppose that's footy, isn't it?
"I felt it was a good opportunity for me to further my career."
The addition of Caddy continues Richmond's busy NAB AFL Trade period after acquiring Dion Prestia from Gold Coast and ruck/forward Toby Nankervis from the Sydney Swans.
The Tigers also allowed restricted free agent Ty Vickery to join Hawthorn, while veteran Brett Deledio wants to move to Greater Western Sydney after initially drawing interest from the Cats.
"That was probably the original reason why," Caddy said.
"Brett expressed a desire to go to Geelong and Geelong didn't have picks and my name was thrown up and it was put to me would I possibly think about that.
"That was the first time I really did think about it.
"That fell through, but Richmond were still really keen."
Caddy will have more of an opportunity to play predominately in the midfield at the Tigers and has been given a generous four-year deal by Richmond.
The 24-year-old was originally drafted to the Suns with pick seven in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
He has spent the past four seasons with the Cats after being traded at the end of 2012.
Caddy played 18 games this year, including both of Geelong's finals games, averaging 20.9 possessions per game, but had to fight for time in the midfield.
"I'd be lying if I said that wasn't a huge consideration in the decision," Caddy said.
"Geelong's midfield has so much depth with the players they have brought in in the last few years.
"Two weeks ago I was happy to stay and keep fighting for a spot in that midfield."
Caddy will also be reunited with former housemate Prestia, whose friendship started from their junior football days.
"When things transpired and he got wind of that, he was into me straight away," Caddy said.
"It definitely played a part, but it's not just Dion.
"I think Richmond have a lot of potential.
"I see their list – Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Alex Rance – they've got the major areas covered nicely.
"With a few tweaks they can really turn it around and this club can have success in the near future."
Richmond’s football talent manager Dan Richardson said Caddy would be a great addition to the club's midfield.
"We love what Josh is going to bring to our team, he’s a big-bodied, aggressive midfielder that can run, win the contested footy, and also kick goals," Richardson said.
"Josh has already shown his talent, but at 24 years of age, his best football is still in front of him, and that’s really exciting for us.
"Josh will really add to our midfield depth, and join players like Cotchin, Martin, Prestia, Grigg, Corey and Brandon Ellis, Miles, Conca and Vlastuin all running through the middle, which is a great asset for us entering season 2017."
